cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcription of adenovirus-associated virus RNA in isolated KB cell nuclei

Abstract Transcription of the genomes of the defective parvovirus, adenovirus-associated virus (AAV) type 2, and a helper virus, adenovirus (Ad) type 2, was studied in nuclei isolated from infected KB cells. As measured by the incorporation of [3H]UTP into acid-insoluble product, nuclei prepared 15.5 hr after coinfection with AAV and Ad (AAV-Ad nuclei) synthesized RNA for 10 min. Total RNA synthesis in AAV-Ad nuclei was greater than in uninfected nuclei but was only about 1 2 that observed in nuclei from cells infected with Ad alone (Ad nuclei). DNA-RNA hybridization with RNA samples from the AAV-Ad nuclei revealed that the in vitro synthesis of AAV-RNA (14% of total) was twice that of Ad-RNA (6% of total). When Ad or AAV-Ad nuclei were assayed at various times after infection, total RNA production was comparable until AAV transcription was well established (12 hr); thereafter, a relative depression of total RNA synthesis was observed in the AAV-Ad nuclei. However, from 12 hr on, more AAV-RNA than Ad-RNA was synthesized in AAV-Ad nuclei, and a comparison with Ad nuclei suggested a preferential inhibition of Ad-RNA transcription in the AAV-Ad nuclei. Finally, it was found that AAV, Ad, and total RNA synthesis shared the same optimum salt concentration [0.02 M (NH4)2SO4], and that 95% of Ad-RNA synthesis and greater than 99% of AAV-RNA synthesis were inhibited by levels of α-amanitin which blocked cellular RNA polymerase II activity. These data suggest that the AAV genome is also transcribed by the same polymerase that transcribes the bulk of Ad-RNA and cellular heterogeneous nuclear RNA.
Gastric mill rhythms in intact crabs

Abstract 1. 1. Foregut muscle activity (the gastric mill cycle) was monitored with extracellular electrodes implanted in free-moving crabs. 2. 2. The dominant gastric mill component in Cancer magister and C. productus consisted of tonic cardiopyloric muscle (CPM) contractions of about 5 sec duration and a cycle time of about 15 sec. 3. 3. CPM activity reciprocated with anterior gastric muscle activity and CPM burst parameters varied in relation to other foregut muscle activities.
Endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches to the sella

Endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches to the pituitary developed with advances in endoscopic technology. Historically, transsphenoidal approaches to the pituitary transitioned from transcranial to transnasal. Each transnasal approach is associated with distinct advantages, limitations, and complications. The standard endoscopic paraseptal approach is discussed. Modifications of the paraseptal approach balance improved visualization with limited dissection. Endoscopes offer angled visualization of the sellar contents not possible with the binocular microscope. Reconstruction options range from minimal to pedical rotational flaps based on the anatomy of the defect and presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Inhibition of ovulation in the rabbit by the adrenergic-blocking agent dibenamine.

INTRODUCTION In previous papers (Markee, Sawyer and Hollinshead, 1946, 1947 a, b) we have reported the results of investigations of the mechanism by which the central nervous system exerts its control over the release of luteinizing hormone in the rabbit. Using unipolar and bipolar electrical stimulation of known voltage and current we found that direct stimulation of the hypophysis by a unipolar electrode was effective in producing ovulation in the rabbit only with relatively strong currents, which gave signs of considerable spread to the central nervous system. On the other hand, localized bipolar stimulation of the hypothalamic region with a current which was ineffective when applied by the same electrode directly to the hypophysis, produced ovulation in three out of four animals. From these results we concluded that the pathway of excitation from the hypothalamus to the anterior lobe of the hypophysis was probably not through thehypothalamico-hypophyseal nerve tract,
Nikola: embedding compiled GPU functions in Haskell

We describe Nikola, a first-order language of array computations embedded in Haskell that compiles to GPUs via CUDA using a new set of type-directed techniques to support re-usable computations. Nikola automatically handles a range of low-level details for Haskell programmers, such as marshaling data to/from the GPU, size inference for buffers, memory management, and automatic loop parallelization. Additionally, Nikola supports both compile-time and run-time code generation, making it possible for programmers to choose when and where to specialize embedded programs.
Correlates of cytotoxic T–lymphocyte–mediated virus control: implications for immuno–suppressive infections and their treatment

A very important question in immunology is to determine which factors decide whether an immune response can efficiently clear or control a viral infection, and under what circumstances we observe persistent viral replication and pathology. This paper summarizes how mathematical models help us gain new insights into these questions, and explores the relationship between antiviral therapy and long–term immunological control in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We find that cytotoxic Tlymphocyte (CTL) memory, defined as antigen–independent persistence of CTL precursors, is necessary for the CTL response to clear an infection. The presence of such a memory response is associated with the coexistence of many CTL clones directed against multiple epitopes. If CTL memory is inefficient, then persistent replication can be established. This outcome is associated with a narrow CTL response directed against only one or a few viral epitopes. If the virus replicates persistently, occurrence of pathology depends on the level of virus load at equilibrium, and this can be determined by the overall efficacy of the CTL response. Mathematical models suggest that controlled replication is reflected by a positive correlation between CTLs and virus load. On the other hand, uncontrolled viral replication results in higher loads and the absence of a correlation between CTLs and virus load. A negative correlation between CTLs and virus load indicates that the virus actively impairs immunity, as observed with HIV. Mathematical models and experimental data suggest that HIV persistence and pathology are caused by the absence of sufficient CTL memory. We show how mathematical models can help us devise therapy regimens that can restore CTL memory in HIV patients and result in long–term immunological control of the virus in the absence of life–long treatment.
Albert Vinicio Baez and the promotion of science education in the developing world 1912–2007

Alberto Vinicio Baez was a pioneer in the field of international science education. He was a physicist who played a leading role in UNESCO’s efforts to support science education globally. His research in the physics of light led to the development of an X-ray microscope and of imaging optics. He participated in projects to improve science education in high schools in the United States in the 1950s, a period of intense interest on this topic. In 1961 he was invited to join UNESCO to establish the Division of Science Education. In this position he wrote numerous papers, organized and participated in regional and international conferences, and studied and supported the development of projects to advance science and technology education in developing countries, with a special focus in secondary schools. The programme established the importance of science education, developed low-cost science kits, films and a structured, high-quality curriculum to support physics teachers in Latin America, chemistry education in Asia, biology education in Africa and mathematics education in the Arab States. Baez’s chief intellectual contributions to the field of science education centered on the development and dissemination of the ideas that it was necessary to democratize access to high-quality education in developing countries, that science education should focus on developing the capabilities needed to solve practical problems, and on the role of interdisciplinarity and social responsibility as core foundations of science education. He also articulated why high-quality science and technology education to improve living conditions in developing nations would contribute to addressing common global challenges faced by humanity, particularly achieving sustainable forms of human environmental interaction, reducing poverty and uncontrolled demographic expansion, and promoting peace. His writings and work to improve science education in developing countries reflect a theory of educational change that recognizes the synergies that result from engaging multiple stakeholders to initiate and sustain innovation and to institutionalize large-scale change. He favoured approaches that brought together scientists and teachers, and
IUE Observations of RW Hydrae (gM2 + pec)

Analysis of the intense UV continuum observed between 1100 and 2000 A suggested that observations of the late type star RW Hya is a binary system in which the secondary is the central star of a planetary nebula. The UV spectrum is characterized by semiforbidden and allowed transition lines, of which the C IV doublet is particularly strong. Tidal interaction from the M giant is proposed as a method of forming a nebula with the characteristic densities inferred from the UV line analysis. RW Hya is suggested as a possible source of soft X-ray emission if material is accreting onto the surface of the secondary.
Counting Roots of the Characteristic Equation for Linear Delay-Differential Systems

Abstract A formula is given that counts the number of roots in the positive half plane of the characteristic equation for general real, constant coefficient, linear delay-differential systems. The formula is used to establish necessary and sufficient conditions for asymptotic stability of the zero solution of linear delay-differential systems. The formula is potentially useful in verifying stability hypotheses that arise in bifurcation analysis of autonomous delay-differential systems. Application of the formula to Hopf bifurcation theory for delay-differential systems is discussed, and an example application to an equation with two delays is given.
An Early Use of Television as a Political Tool: The 1961 News Conferences of President John F. Kennedy and the Republican Opposition

(1988). An Early Use of Television as a Political Tool: The 1961 News Conferences of President John F. Kennedy and the Republican Opposition. Journal of Popular Film and Television: Vol. 16, Television Studies and Culture, pp. 41-48.
A Quantitative Method for the Analysis of Bilateral Corneal Asymmetry in Different Corneal Categories

Purpose It is generally accepted that the presence of bilateral corneal asymmetry correlates with certain corneal diseases and may be the evidence of corneal abnormalities. A method is shown for the quantification of bilateral corneal asymmetry in 5 different corneal categories, making use of corneal topography data.
Temperature gradients in turbulent gas streams: Effect of viscous dissipation on evaluation of total conductivity

Values of the total conductivity in a turbulently flowing air stream were originally reported without regard to the effects of viscous dissipation upon the results. By utilizing measurements of the shear taken at the time of the original study, the reported values of total conductivity were corrected for the effect of viscous dissipation. The effect of such dissipation upon the values of total conductivity is the greatest under conditions involving small temperature gradients and high Reynolds numbers.
Native North American pine attenuates the competitive effects of a European invader on native grasses

Strong direct competitive interactions between two species can be attenuated or exacerbated by the asymmetric effects of other species. In this context we explored a natural pattern in which an exotic invader, Centaurea stoebe, was much less abundant under ponderosa pines than in open grassland. In a field experiment Centaurea had strong competitive effects on the native Pseudoroegneria spicata in open grassland. Pines had no effects on either Centaurea or Pseudoroegneria when they were grown alone, but the strong competitive effects of Centaurea on Pseudoroegneria found in open grassland did not occur under pine canopies. In common garden experiments we found that shade mimicking one effect of pine canopies inhibited Centaurea but did not affect the native Festuca idahoensis. Shade did not alter competitive outcomes between the native and the invader. In the same experiment, soil from under pines increased Centaurea size and its competitive effects on Festuca, the opposite of what would be predicted from natural patterns in the field. However, pine litter strongly suppressed Centaurea in field and greenhouse experiments, inhibited growth of Festuca when grown alone, and importantly also eliminated competition between Festuca and Centaurea. Overall, our results suggest that ponderosa pine may resist Centaurea invasion both directly and by attenuation of the invader’s competitive effects. This biotic resistance appears to occur in part through asymmetric direct effects of pine litter, and in part from ways in which the litter, canopy effects, and soil under pines modify interactions between Centaurea and natives.
Static prehension of a horizontally oriented object in three dimensions.

We studied static prehension of a horizontally oriented object. Specific hypotheses were explored addressing such issues as the sharing patterns of the total moment of force across the digits, presence of mechanically unnecessary digit forces, and trade-off between multi-digit synergies at the two levels of the assumed control hierarchy. Within the assumed hierarchy, at the upper level, the task is shared between the thumb and virtual finger (an imagined finger producing a wrench equal to the sum of the wrenches of individual fingers). At the lower level, action of the virtual finger is shared among the four actual fingers. The subjects held statically a horizontally oriented handle instrumented with six-component force/torque sensors with different loads and torques acting about the long axis of the handle. The thumb acted from above while the four fingers supported the weight of the object. When the external torque was zero, the thumb produced mechanically unnecessary force of about 2.8 N, which did not depend on the external load magnitude. When the external torque was not zero, tangential forces produced over 80% of the total moment of force. The normal forces by the middle and ring fingers produced consistent moments against the external torque, while the normal forces of the index and little fingers did not. Force and moment variables at both hierarchical levels were stabilized by covaried across trials adjustments of forces/moments produced by individual digits with the exception of the normal force analyzed at the lower level of the hierarchy. There was a trade-off between synergy indices computed at the two levels of the hierarchy for the three components of the total force vector, but not for the moment of force components. Overall, the results have shown that task mechanics are only one factor that defines forces produced by individual digits. Other factors, such as loading sensory receptors may lead to mechanically unnecessary forces. There seems to be no single rule (for example, ensuring similar safety margin values) that would describe sharing of the normal and tangential forces and be valid across tasks. Fingers that are traditionally viewed as less accurate (e.g., the ring finger) may perform more consistently in certain tasks. The observations of the trade-off between the synergy indices computed at two levels for the force variables but not for the moment of force variables suggest that the degree of redundancy (the number of excessive elemental variables) at the higher level is an important factor.
Hematologic reference intervals for koi (Cyprinus carpio), including blood cell morphology, cytochemistry, and ultrastructure.

Background Hematologic data are used routinely in the health care of humans and domestic mammals. Similar data for fish are largely fragmentary or have not been collected. Objectives The primary purpose of this study was to determine hematologic reference intervals for koi, an ornamental strain of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Secondarily, the morphology, cytochemical reactions, and ultrastructure of koi blood cells were characterized. Methods A CBC was performed manually on heparin-anticoagulated blood specimens using Natt and Herrick's diluent and a Neubauer-ruled hemacytometer. Leukocyte differential counts were done on Wright-Leishman- and Diff-Quik-stained blood smears. Cytochemical reactions of koi leukocytes were determined using commercial kits. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to characterize the ultrastructural features of koi blood cells. Results Hematologic reference intervals were established for healthy koi for PCV (30-34%), hemoglobin concentration (6.3-7.6 g/dL), RBC count (1.7-1.9 X 10(6)/ microL), WBC count (19.8-28.1 X 10(3)/ microL), RBC indices, and differential leukocyte counts. Lymphocytes were the predominant leukocyte (accounting for up to 80% of all leukocytes), whereas eosinophils were rare. Basophils were positive with PAS staining. Naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase activity was observed only in eosinophils. alpha-Naphthyl butyrate esterase and beta-glucuronidase activities were positive in monocytes. Some lymphocytes were reactive for alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase and acid phosphatase activity. Ultrastructurally, leukocytes, erythrocytes, and thrombocytes were identified on the basis of cytoplasmic organelles and granule appearance. Conclusion Hematologic reference intervals and knowledge of the cytochemical reactions and ultrastructural characteristics of koi leukocytes will help standardize hematologic studies in this species.
Process systems engineering studies for the synthesis of catalytic biomass-to-fuels strategies

The goal of this paper is to show how chemical process synthesis and analysis studies can be coupled with experimental heterogeneous catalysis studies to identify promising research directions for the development of strategies for the production of renewable fuels. We study five catalytic biomass-to-fuels strategies that rely on production of platform chemicals, such as levulinic acid and fermentable sugars. We first integrate catalytic conversion subsystems with separation subsystems to generate complete conversion strategies, and we then develop the corresponding process simulation models based on experimental results. Our analyses suggest that catalytic biomass-to-fuel conversion strategies could become economically competitive alternatives to current biofuel production approaches as a result of iterative experimental and computational efforts. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.
Kotarbiński's theory of pseudo‐names

In the paper “Kotarbinski’s Theory of Genuine Names”, which was published recently in this journal1, I attempted to sketch and explain a theory of genuine names formulated by Tadeusz Kotarbinski, who is perhaps Poland’s outstanding 20th century philosopher. The theory is a fundamental ingredient of Kotarbinski’s nominalistic views, and it marks a development of nominalism and nominalistic semantics generally unknown to philosophers and semanticists of the West. The theory also reveals how some of the logical concepts of Stanislaw Lesniewśki, one of the leading members of the Warsaw School of logicians which flourished between the two Wars, influenced the development of a nominalistic metaphysics — Kotarbinski’s reism.
The Products Liability Coordinator: A Partial Solution

Product liability problems have beset businesses for the past decade. Lack of availability of products liability insurance, soaring insurance premiums, proliferation of products liability lawsuits, astronomical damage awards and ever changing products liability laws have created severe problems in many industries. While many states are enacting new products liability laws modeled after federal legislation to ease the burden, businesses must take the initiative to solve their own problems. Most companies have relied on their legal staffs to deal with product liability. This paper presents an organizational change that can help manufacturers cope with products liability. A products liability coordinator can generate, process, and disseminate relevant information in this dynamic area and oversee corporate strategic decisions which might result in products liability.
Photoluminescent Rigid Molecular Rods with Cumulenic Cn (n=3, 4) Spacers: Modulation of Electronic Interaction.

Varying the length of the carbon chain in the bridge of complexes of types 1 and 2 can influence the photophysical properties and redox potentials of the metal centers as well as the electronic communication between these metal centers (M=Ru, Os; bpy=2,2'-bipyridine).
HC-DT/SVM: a tightly coupled hybrid decision tree and support vector machines algorithm with application to land cover change detections

Change detection techniques have been widely used in satellite based environmental monitoring. Multi-date classification is an important change detection technique in remote sensing. In this study, we propose a hybrid algorithm called HC-DT/SVM, that tightly couples a Decision Tree (DT) algorithm and a Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm for land cover change detections. We aim at improving the interpretability of the classification results and classification accuracies simultaneously. The hybrid algorithm first constructs a DT classifier using all the training samples and then sends the samples under the ill-classified decision tree branches to a SVM classifier for further training. The ill-classified decision tree branches are linked to the SVM classifier and testing samples are classified jointly by the linked DT and SVM classifiers. Experiments using a dataset that consists of two Landsat TM scenes of southern China region show that the hybrid algorithm can significantly improve the classification accuracies of the classic DT classifier and improve its interpretability at the same time.
Geometric methods in head impact response

Geometric method currently being applied to fundamental physics problems can also be used in experimental mechanics. The problem of biokinematics of impact response, in particular head impact response, can be addressed through the use of the moving frame of Cartan and associated geometric structures.
A Probability Model of a Pyramid Scheme

Abstract Periodically, the pyramid or “chain letter” scheme is offered to Americans under the guise of a business dealership. Recently, the FTC ordered Glen Turner's “Dare to be Great” firm to repay 44 million dollars to participants. In order to demonstrate that the potential gains are misrepresented by promoters, a probability model of the pyramid scheme is developed. The major implications are that the vast majority of participants have less than a ten percent chance of recouping their initial investment when a small profit is achieved as soon as they recruit three people and that, on the average, half of the participants will recruit no one else and lose all their money.
The old grey mare national enclosure of the oceans

Within the last 50 years, new forms of national authority have been created in order to expand coastal state jurisdiction over the ocean. The trend toward more extensive national authority over ever increasing areas has culminated in the 200‐mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This article postulates the next logical step: The enclosure of the rest of the ocean. The regulation of increasing numbers of activities within the EEZ and the extension of authority beyond 200 miles are examined. The conclusion is that the advent of EEZs has made it likely that limited forms of national jurisdiction will expand to encompass the rest of the globe.
Nerve terminal degeneration in the rat iris observed following chronic topical 2% epinephrine and 0.1% dipivalyl epinephrine: a quantitative comparison of electron microscopic observations and tissue norepinephrine levels

This is the first report of nerve terminal degeneration within the iris following topical dipivalyl epinephrine 0.1% treatment. A quantitative comparison of the effects of topically applied epinephrine 2%, dipivalyl epinephrine 0.1%, and placebo vehicle on the nerve terminals within the iris of a rat was made using electron microscopy and a catecholamine radioenzyme assay. Thirty-nine rats were divided into these 3 treatment groups and treated for 10 weeks, after which they were killed and studied. Both the epinephrine 2%- and dipivalyl epinephrine 0.1%-treated groups showed greater nerve terminal degeneration compared with the placebotreated group (P<0.05). The epinephrine-treated group showed greater nerve terminal degeneration than the dipivalyl epinephrine-treated group. The clinical significance of these observations is unknown. It is impossible to decide whether these degenerative changes are related unavoidably to a desired therapeutic effect or to an undesirable, potentially avoidable, toxic side effect.
Variation in flight response of the specialist parasitoid Macrocentrus grandii Goidanich to odours from food plants of its European corn borer host

The specialist parasitoid Macrocentrus grandii Goidanich (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) appears to parasitize its polyphagous host, European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner)) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), in only certain habitats. To determine whether it differed in its olfactory response to host-habitat odours, volatiles from four plants were isolated using Tenax. Wind tunnel bioassays of the extracts revealed that, besides corn which was tested in an earlier study, olfactory stimuli for attraction of M. grandii females were present in potato and snap bean but not in pepper or soybean. To further characterize the response to pepper and soybean, these extracts were bioassayed in combination with an attractive extract. The results indicated that pepper volatiles evoked a neutral response in M. grandii while response to soybean volatiles appeared to be neutral or slightly negative. The innate response to soybean volatiles was altered to one of attraction after oviposition experience on soybean. Seven days after oviposition, experienced females continued to respond positively to soybean volatiles. Components of soybean volatiles responsible for the change in flight behaviour resulting from oviposition experience were eluted by nonpolar and slightly polar solvents. These results support the idea that plant odour may be a factor determining the range of plants on which M. grandii parasitizes its host. The study indicates the occurrence of associative learning of plant-related volatiles during oviposition in M. grandii, and suggests the involvement of diverse plant compounds in the learning process.
Cataract formation following vitreoretinal procedures.

PURPOSE To evaluate the incidence and prevalence of cataract formation, progression, and extraction in patients that underwent vitreoretinal procedures and to evaluate factors that can potentially predispose patients to postoperative cataracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS The medical records of consecutive patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery at the Yale Eye Center with at least 6 months of follow-up and no prior intraocular surgery were obtained. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were recorded and analyzed in this retrospective observational study. The main outcome measures were defined as cataract extraction, formation, and progression after vitreoretinal procedures. The lens status of the surgical eye was recorded preoperatively and at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months postoperatively. RESULTS A total of 193 eyes of 180 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The percentages of eyes with mild lens change were 96% after 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), 72% after small gauge (23- and 25-gauge) PPV, 38% after scleral buckle (SB), 38% after pneumatic retinopexy (PR), and 91% after PPV plus SB (PPV+SB). Posterior subcapsular and nuclear sclerotic cataracts were the most common with almost all developing within 24 months. There was no statistically significant difference (P=1.00) between the rate of cataract extraction after 20-gauge (41%) and small gauge PPV (42%), but there was a statistically significant difference between PPV and non-PPV (SB, 6%; PR, 7%; P<0.001) and PPV and PPV+SB groups (69%; P=0.0063). CONCLUSION Cataracts were common following PPV regardless of the gauge. SB and PR led to the lowest while PPV+SB led to the highest risk of postoperative cataracts.
Stigma and Eating and Weight Disorders

Although research has consistently documented the prevalence and negative health implications of weight stigma, little is known about the stigma associated with eating disorders. Given that weight stigma is a risk factor associated with disordered eating, it is important to address stigma across the spectrum of eating and weight disorders. The aim of this review is to systematically review studies in the past 3 years evaluating stigma in the context of obesity and eating disorders (including binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa). Physical and psychological health consequences of stigma for individuals with obesity and eating disorders are discussed. Recent studies on weight stigma substantiate the unique influence of stigma on psychological maladjustment, eating pathology, and physiological stress. Furthermore, research documents negative stereotypes and social rejection of individuals with eating disorder subtypes, while attributions to personal responsibility promote blame and further stigmatization of these individuals. Future research should examine the association of stigma related to eating disorders and physical and emotional health correlates, as well as its role in health-care utilization and treatment outcomes. Additional longitudinal studies assessing how weight stigma influences emotional health and eating disorders can help identify adaptive coping strategies and improve clinical care of individuals with obesity and eating disorders.
Specific heat of polycrystalline YBa2Cu3O7-x in a magnetic field

Abstract The specific heat of high-purity, sintered, YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x powder has been measured. The low-temperature specific heat had only a linear team (with a zero-field coefficient of 4.37 mJ mole K 2 ) and a cubic term (corresponding to a Debye temperature of 275 K); both terms varied with field. No Schottky peak was evident. Raman-effect data obtained on our sample showed that less than one third of the linear term could arise from the presence of BaCuO 2 . Using anisotropic Ginzburg-Landau theory in the London limit, we were unable to account for the reduction of the cubic term, and could account for only part of the enhancement of the linear term with increasing field.
Characterization of structural sequences in the chicken osteocalcin gene: Expression of osteocalcin by maturing osteoblasts and by hypertrophic chondrocytes in vitro

Osteocalcin is one of the major noncollagenous proteins specific to mineralized connective tissues of vertebrates. A cDNA clone encoding the chicken osteocalcin gene was isolated, and the complete coding sequence for the 97-amino-acid pre-pro-osteocalcin was deduced. The 48-amino-acid pre-pro-peptide contains the expected hydrophobic leader sequence and the dibasic Lys-Arg sequence preceding the NH2-terminal His of the mature 49-amino-acid chicken osteocalcin, which is believed to be necessary for pro-peptide cleavage. The pro-peptide sequence also contains the expected motif of polar and hydrophobic residues, including Phe at -16, which targets vitamin K-dependent gamma-carboxylation of the three specific Glu residues at positions 17, 21, and 24 in the mature protein. Northern blots of total RNA were prepared from embryonic and adult chicken tissues (bone, brain, heart, intestine, kidney, muscle) and probed with chicken osteocalcin cDNA. The appearance of a single 0.5 kb mRNA species confirms that bone is the major site of osteocalcin expression in vivo. In primary osteoblasts isolated from 17-day embryonic chicken calvaria, an osteocalcin mRNA of similar size is expressed concurrently with culture mineralization in vitro. Hypertrophic chondrocytes from 12-day ventral vertebrae and from the cephalic half of 17-day caudal sternae also express osteocalcin mRNA, but nonhypertrophic chondrocytes from the caudal half of 17-day sternae do not express osteocalcin mRNA.
Reactions to Majority Voting Procedures and Amelioration of Voting Minority Member Responses

Two laboratory experiments investigated reactions to a majority rule social decision scheme. In Experiment 1, members of the voting majority perceived the decision process to be fairer; were more satisfied with the decision outcome, and performed at higher levels than did members of the voting minority. Implementation of a nonrepresentative decision (i.e., in which a decision maker failed to follow the recommendations of the majority) resulted in more extreme reactions by majority, as compared with minority, members. In Experiment 2, an attempt at minority conciliation was made based on either a unilateral decision by a decision maker or the voice of participants. Both the conciliatory offer and the manner in which the offer was enacted had independent and positive effects on minority perceptions and performance.
Induction of abasic sites by the drinking-water mutagen MX in Salmonella TA100

Abstract Mutagen X (MX) is a chlorinated furanone that accounts for more of the mutagenic activity of drinking water than any other disinfection by-product. It is one of the most potent base-substitution mutagens in the Salmonella (Ames) mutagenicity assay, producing primarily GC to TA mutations in TA100. MX does not produce stable DNA adducts in cellular or acellular DNA. However, theoretical calculations predict that it might induce abasic sites, which it does in supercoiled plasmid DNA but not in rodents. To investigate the ability of MX to induce abasic sites in cellular DNA, we used an aldehydic site assay to detect abasic sites in DNA from Salmonella TA100 cells treated for 1.5 h with MX. At 0, 2.3, and 4.6 μM, MX induced mutant frequencies (revertants/106 survivors) and percent survivals of 2 (100%), 14.9 (111%), and 59.3 (45%), respectively. The frequencies of abasic sites (sites/105 nucleotides) for the control and two concentrations were 5.9, 6.2, and 9.7, respectively, with the frequency at the highest concentration being significant (P
Effect of an Interlaminar Adhesive on the Yielding Behavior of Aluminum/Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composite Laminates

An adhesive stress-release model is proposed to predict the relief of thermal residual stress due to the presence of an adhesive layer in hybrid aluminum/fiberreinforced laminates. The model is developed based on the thermal curing temperature and composite constituent properties and is used to determine the laminate initial yielding and deformation behavior. The adhesive layer functions as a compliant layer to release the thermal residual stresses and to delay the yield occurrence, thus enhancing the laminate's deformation behavior. Compared with available experimental data for graphite/PPS and glass/PPS with 2024-T3 or 7075-T6 aluminum hybrid thermoplastic laminates, the proposed model has better predictive capabilities than some other commonly used models.
Echocardiographic abnormalities in the mucopolysaccharide storage diseases

The mucopolysaccharide storage diseases express themselves clinically with a wide variety of abnormalities, including growth and mental retardation, skeletal abnormalities, clouded corneas, nerve compression syndromes, upper airway obstruction and cardiovascular involvement, to name the most common. In most cases the cause of early death is cardiorespiratory failure secondary to cardiovascular involvement and upper airway obstruction. The findings of cardiac ultrasound examination in 29 children, adolescents and young adults are presented. In addition to the previously well-described abnormalities of the mitral and aortic valves in several types of mucopolysaccharide storage disease, we report patchy involvement in some cases, 3 instances of asymmetric septal hypertrophy not previously reported in mucopolysaccharide storage diseases, cardiac involvement in half of our patients with Sanfilippo syndrome and a lack of age-related severity of cardiac involvement even within the specific syndromes.
Helix Millimeter-Wave Tube

The experimental results of a program to extend helix backward-wave oscillator techniques to the 4.5- to 6-millimeter range are described. The design of a tube capable of cw output over this range is presented together with operating characteristics. The tube employs a tungsten helix wound with 0.002-inch by 0.005-inch tape with a 0.025-inch inner diameter. The helix voltage is tuned from 2,400 to 850 volts to cover the range, and the cathode current is 4.0 ma. The tube with its all-glass envelope is believed to be a relatively inexpensive millimeter-wave signal source. Power output is estimated to be greater than 1 milliwatt.
A decreased effect of organic phosphates on hemoglobin S at low concentrations.

Abstract Hemoglobin (Hb) S, at concentrations well below those required for gelation, has previously been found functionally indistinguishable from HbA. The present communication describes small but consistent differences in the responses of the two hemoglobins to organic phosphates. Inositol hexaphosphate and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) lowered the oxygen affinity of HbS less than that of HbA. This difference was confirmed by studies of the competitive effects of 2,3-DPG and CO2 on Hb, which showed that the increase in oxygen affinity when 2,3-DPG was displaced by CO2 (at pH over 7.0) was considerably greater for HbS than for HbA. These findings strongly suggest that the binding constant of organic phosphates for HbS is lower than that for HbA. This is the first functional abnormality detected in native HbS at low concentrations and it suggests that the β6Val substitution induces a small conformational change in the vicinity of the α-amino terminal groups of the β chains.
CsI photocathode QE and a simple production technique

Abstract The importance on quantum efficiency of a CsI photocathode of the starting material used, the deposition procedure, and electric field on the photocathode is discussed. A simple, non vacuum-deposition technique for making CsI photocathodes is also presented.
On the Mechanism of Lead Chalcogenide Nanocrystal Formation

On the basis of evidence from 31P NMR spectroscopy, and using PbSe as a model, we propose two simultaneous mechanisms through which “monomers” are formed in preparations of lead chalcogenide nanocrystals (NCs). In one mechanism, selenium is delivered as a Se2- species, whereas in the other, Se0 reacts with metal already reduced by the organophosphine. This latter mechanism helps explain the sensitivity of NC preparations to the purity of organophosphines and allows the rational modification of batch NC reactions to increase yield.
Inkjet printed circularly polarized patch antenna on a cylindrical surface

A circularly polarized patch antenna conformal to a cylindrical surface is presented with a simple feed design. The antenna has right handed circular polarization and operates at 2.225 GHz. The antenna is part of the communication system of a sounding rocket's sub-payload. In order to verify the antenna design with a fast and cost-effective method, inkjet printing has been employed to prototype the antenna, and the measured results agree well with the design data.
Quinpirole hydrochloride, a potential anti-parkinsonism drug

Quinpirole hydrochloride, a putative dopamine agonist, was investigated in animal models of central dopaminergic activity, to evaluate its possible role in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The drug induced stereotyped sniffing in rats but, unlike apomorphine, did not produce a maximal behavioural response (stereotyped gnawing). Pretreatment with neuroleptics blocked the stereotypy induced by quinpirole. Quinpirole reversed the effects of reserpine and alpha-methyl-paratyrosine, caused dose-dependent contralateral rotations in rats with unilateral lesions of the substantia nigra induced by 6-hydroxydopamine and induced vomiting in dogs. Small doses of quinpirole decreased locomotor activity, an effect presumably mediated by pre-synaptic autoreceptors. Quinpirole bound to D2 dopamine receptors in the striatum of the rat. The chronic injection of both subthreshold and suprathreshold doses, failed to induce behavioral supersensitivity. These data indicate that quinpirole can stimulate central dopaminergic receptors, and that it is a partial agonist with direct-acting properties. Quinpirole differs from other dopaminergic drugs and may be useful for the therapy of Parkinson's disease.
Degrees of freedom of polymeric molecules and their effect on physical properties

Abstract The effects of the degrees of rotational freedom, as defined by the Hayes factor n, on the physical properties of polymers were studied. The applicability of the Hayes relationship was extended to include polymers with aromatic entities in the backbone chain and also the various units within a polymer repeat unit that are capable of independent motion. A rule of constant specific heat at Tg, ΔCp, dependent upon rotational motion was established. This rule was subsequently used to derive an inverse relationship between n and the characteristic ratio o. A strict linear dependence was found to exist between these two variables within a specific polymer grouping, but, in turn, is dependent upon structural complexity and the free volume present. The rule was employed to interpret the type of rotational motion present at and below Tg, the result being that torsional oscillation or hindered rotation around single bonds is the best description. An interpretation of Wunderlich's rule of constant ΔCp is pr...
Phase-space representations of the Bloch equation

The authors discuss the phase-space representation of the Bloch equation and present analytic expressions for two generalized classes of distribution functions. Series solutions to order of {h bar}{sup 2} are given. The authors conclude that the Wigner quantum corrections are the simplest among the two general classes of distribution functions. 21 refs.
Femtosecond Ti:Sapphire Oscillator Electro-Optically Cavity Dumped at 50 kHz.

Use of a transverse KD*P Pockels cell and novel low-loss sapphire Rochon polarizer to cavity dump a hard-aperture, Kerr-lens mode-locked, Ti:sapphire oscillator is demonstrated. High-quality 90-fs pulses with energies of ∼50 nJ at repetition rates of up to 50 kHz were obtained.
New Dark Matter Physics: Clues from Halo Structure

We examine the effect of primordial dark matter velocity dispersion and/or particle self-interactions on the structure and stability of galaxy halos, especially with respect to the formation of substructure and central density cusps. Primordial velocity dispersion is characterized by a ``phase density'' $Q\ensuremath{\equiv}\ensuremath{\rho}/〈{v}^{2}{〉}^{3/2},$ which for relativistically decoupled relics is determined by particle mass and spin and is insensitive to cosmological parameters. Finite Q leads to small-scale filtering of the primordial power spectrum, which reduces substructure, and limits the maximum central density of halos, which eliminates central cusps. The relationship between Q and halo observables is estimated. The primordial Q may be preserved in the cores of halos and if so leads to a predicted relation, closely analogous to that in degenerate dwarf stars, between the central density and velocity dispersion. Classical polytrope solutions are used to model the structure of halos of collisional dark matter, and to show that self-interactions in halos today are probably not significant because they destabilize halo cores via heat conduction. Constraints on masses and self-interactions of dark matter particles are estimated from halo stability and other considerations.
IPA derivatives for a discrete model of make-to-stock production-inventory systems with backorders

We consider a class of single-stage, single-product Make-to-Stock production-inventory system (MTS system) with backorders. The system employs a continuous-review base-stock policy which strives to maintain a prescribed base-stock level of inventory. In a previous paper of Zhao and Melamed (Methodology and Computing in Applied Probability 8:191–222, 2006), the Infinitesimal Perturbation Analysis (IPA) derivatives of inventory and backorders time averages with respect to the base-stock level and a parameter of the production-rate process were computed in Stochastic Fluid Model (SFM) setting, where the demand stream at the inventory facility and its replenishment stream from the production facility are modeled by stochastic rate processes. The advantage of the SFM abstraction is that the aforementioned IPA derivatives can be shown to be unbiased. However, its disadvantages are twofold: (1) on the modeling side, the highly abstracted SFM formulation does not maintain the identity of transactions (individual demands, orders and replenishments) and has no notion of lead times, and (2) on the applications side, the aforementioned IPA derivatives are brittle in that they contain instantaneous rates at certain hitting times which are rarely known, and consequently, need to be estimated. In this paper, we remedy both disadvantages by using a discrete setting, where transaction identity is maintained, and order fulfillment from inventory following demand arrivals and inventory restocking following replenishment arrivals are modeled as discrete jumps in the inventory level. We then compute the aforementioned IPA derivatives with respect to the base-stock level and a parameter of the lead-time process in the discrete setting under any initial system state. The formulas derived are shown to be unbiased and directly computable from sample path observables, and their computation is both simple and computationally robust.
Extended cycle shrinking: an optimal loop transformation

The author discusses a novel loop transformation technique, extended cycle shrinking (ECS), that is based on cycle shrinking (CS). While CS is a very powerful technique in dealing with dependences involving a cycle, it fails to generate an optimal program in many cases. The ECS can generate optimal programs for a class of loops called regular cycle dependence loops. >
Detecting significant changes in dark networks

To date, most social network analyses (SNAs) of terrorist groups have used network data that provide snap-shots of the groups at a single point in time. Seldom have they used network data that take into account how the groups have changed over time. In this article, a unique longitudinal network data set, the Noordin Top terrorist network from 2001 to 2010, is examined in order to explore whether a recently developed method – social network change detection (SNCD) – can help analysts monitor a dark network's topography (e.g. centralization, density, degree of fragmentation) in order to detect significant changes in its structure and identify possible causes. The application of change detection to this historical data set illustrates the method's potential usefulness, including its ability to detect significant changes in the network in response to a series of exogenous factors, such as the acquisition of bombing materials, the capture of key leaders and groups, and the death of Noordin himself. The method...