cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamin Participates in the Maintenance of Anterior Polarity in the Caenorhabditis elegans Embryo

Cell polarity is crucial for the generation of cell diversity. Recent evidence suggests that the actin cytoskeleton plays a key role in establishment of embryonic polarity, yet the mechanisms that maintain polarity cues in particular membrane domains during development remain unclear. Dynamin, a large GTPase, functions in both endocytosis and actin dynamics. Here, the Caenorhabditis elegans dynamin ortholog, DYN-1, maintains anterior polarity cues. DYN-1-GFP foci are enriched in the anterior cortex in a manner dependent on the anterior polarity proteins, PAR-6 and PKC-3. Membrane internalization and actin comet formation are enriched in the anterior, and are dependent on DYN-1. PAR-6-labeled puncta are also internalized from cortical accumulations of DYN-1-GFP. Our results demonstrate a mechanism for the spatial and temporal regulation of endocytosis in the anterior of the embryo, contributing to the precise localization and maintenance of polarity factors within a dynamic plasma membrane.
Rat embryos express transcripts for cyclooxygenase-1 and carbonic anhydrase-4, but not for cyclooxygenase-2, during organogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is a rat teratogen, and exposures on gestational days (GDs) 9 and 10 induce diaphragm, cardiac, and midline defects. ASA inhibits members of the cyclooxygenase (COX) family and potentially members of the carbonic anhydrase (CA) family. The objective of this study was to determine whether the mRNA developmental expression pattern for any COX or CA isoform was consistent with a model in which ASA teratogenicity is mediated through direct interaction with one of these enzymes within embryos or within the adjacent ectoplacental cone (EPC) or yolk sac. METHODS: Staged embryos, over a range (GD 9.5–12) that included ASA-sensitive and ASA-insensitive stages of organogenesis, were assayed for COX and CA mRNA levels by three techniques: microarrays; in situ hybridization quantitated by a micro-imager; and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. ASA- and vehicle-treated embryos also were compared to determine whether inhibition led to upregulated COX or CA mRNA expression. RESULTS: COX-2 mRNA was undetectable in embryos throughout organogenesis by any assay (although it was abundant in EPC). In contrast, COX-1 mRNA was moderately abundant in embryos throughout organogenesis. One CA isoform, CA-4, demonstrated developmentally regulated embryonic mRNA expression that coincided with ASA sensitivity. ASA exposure failed to induce upregulation of any of these mRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: Although ASA may affect the embryo indirectly through interaction with COX-2 within EPC, failure to detect embryonic COX-2 mRNA argues against COX-2 functioning as a direct mediator of ASA teratogenic activity in induction of cardiac, diaphragm, and midline defects. Correlation of COX-1 and CA-4 expression with ASA sensitivity suggested that embryonic COX-1 and possibly CA-4 are much more likely candidates for mediators of ASA developmental toxicity. Birth Defects Research (Part B) 68:57–69, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Overview of Mechanics of Pipes Conveying Fluids—Part I: Fundamental Studies

This two-part review article presents an overview of mechanics of pipes conveying fluid and related problems such as the fluid-elastic instability under conditions of turbulence in nuclear power plants. In the first part, different types of modeling, dynamic analysis, and stability regimes of pipes conveying fluid restrained by elastic or inelastic barriers are described. The dynamic and stability behaviors of pinned-pinned, clamped-clamped, and cantilevered pipes conveying fluid together with curved and articulated pipes will be discussed. Other problems such as pipes made of viscoelastic materials and active control of severe pipe vibrations are considered. This part will be closed by conclusions highlighting resolved and nonresolved controversies reported in literature. The second part will address the problem of fluid-elastic instability in single- and two-phase flows and fretting wear in process equipment such as heat exchangers and steam generators. Connors critical velocity will be discussed as a measure of initiating fluid-elastic instability. Vibro-impact of heat exchanger tubes and the random excitation by the cross-flow can produce a progressive damage at the supports through fretting wear or fatigue. Antivibration bar supports used to limit pipe vibrations are described. An assessment of analytical, numerical, and experimental techniques of fretting wear problem of pipes in heat exchangers will be given. Other topics related to this part include remote impact analysis and parameter identification, pipe damage-induced by pressure elastic waves, the dynamic response and stability of long pipes, marine risers together with pipes aspirating fluid, and carbon nanotubes conveying fluid.
Hydrochloric acid: A regional perspective on concentrations and formation in the atmosphere of Southern California

Atmospheric gaseous hydrochloric acid (HCl) concentrations and water-soluble species in the aerosol phase were measured at nine sites in Southern California throughout the year 1986. Annual average HCl concentrations measured by the denuder difference method ranged from 0.39 ppb at an offshore island to 1.25 ppb onshore at Hawthorne, California. An ion balance on the aerosol shows that coarse particle chloride begins as sea salt over the ocean and is depleted relative to aerosol sodium with transport inland. Total chloride and sodium balances show that chloride depletion from the aerosol is matched by a comparable increase in gaseous HCl concentrations, consistent with the proposition that acid gas reactions with sea salt are the principal source of gaseous HCl in the Southern California atmosphere. Fine aerosol chloride exceeds fine particle sodium on a number of occasions, particularly at one inland site known for extraordinarily high NH_3 levels. There is evidence that coarse aerosol chloride from sea salt is being processed by atmospheric reactions through HCl to form fine aerosol, possibly NH_4Cl.
The Thrower’s Elbow

Overhead throwing activities expose the elbow to tremendous valgus stress, making athletes vulnerable to a specific constellation of injuries. Although baseball players, in particular pitchers, are the athletes affected most commonly, overhead throwing athletes in football, volleyball, tennis, and javelin tossing also are affected. The purpose of this review is to review the anatomy, biomechanics, pathophysiology, and treatment of elbow disorders related to overhead throwing athletes. Although focus is on management of ulnar collateral ligament injuries, all common pathologies are discussed.
Environmental application of multisensor data fusion: Automatic soil salinity control

A small-scale field test of soil salinity control is demonstrated that fuses multisensor array data, state estimators, and optimization algorithms to autonomously maintain specified salt levels at a prescribed soil depth. Soil salinization is a problem associated with irrigation in arid and semi-arid environments; even more so when reclaimed water is applied. Salinity conveyed by the irrigation water tends to accumulate in the soil, and can necessitate transitioning to more salt-tolerant crops. Left unchecked, soil salinization will eventually render a soil non-arable. In this work, vertical multisensor arrays and physically-based state prediction models were incorporated in an optimal irrigation management scheme known as Receding Horizon Control (RHC) to balance reclaimed water reuse and soil/groundwater quality. A simulation model including a one- (vertical) dimensional form of the Richards equation coupled to energy and solute transport equations is employed to estimate states (soil moisture, temperature, and soil salinity) using a least squares method. The optimization algorithm determines the optimal irrigation rate using current state status which continuously maximizes the reclaimed water usage while maintaining soil salinity at a certain level. The finding suggests that real-time application of sensor networks for environmental monitoring can be achieved in the context of RHC not only to understand current environmental problems but also to autonomously control negative impacts on environmental quality when reclaimed water is reused for irrigation.
Effects on stratospheric ozone and temperature during the Maunder Minimum

The period of low solar activity between 1645 and 1715, known as the Maunder Minimum, corresponds to a period in which the ultraviolet spectral irradiance was significantly smaller than found in the current atmosphere [Lean et al., 1995a]. In this study, we use our two-dimensional chemical-radiative-transport model of the global atmosphere to examine the effect of this reduced solar flux on the distribution of stratospheric ozone and temperature relative to that normally expected for the pre-industrial atmosphere. A decrease in total global ozone of about 3% was determined for the Maunder Minimum period. Lean et al. [1995b] have examined the implications of the direct solar irradiance effects on climate during that period. The changes in stratospheric ozone may further have influenced the radiative forcing on climate during that period. In addition, such events are lilely to happen again with resulting decreases in ozone.
Encountering the Male Establishment: Sex-Status Limits on Women's Careers in the Professions

Despite impressive extensions in the scope of women's social and political rights, there have been few extensions of sex-linked boundaries in the prestigious, male-dominated professions. This paper identifies the processes and structure of the professions in the United States which act to limit women's participation and achievement within them. Because their sex status is defined within the culture of professions as inappropriate, women find that the institutionalized channels of recruitment and advancement, such as the protege system, are not available to them. Various modes of behavior on the part of women and their colleagues are described which are consequences of women's minority position and which reinforce it. Social changes affecting the traditional structures and opening careers in the professional hierarchy are discussed.
Postpositivism and the dilemmas of social planning

E very once in awhile I recall something that happened while I was a graduate student trying to complete a doctoral dissertation. My project called for interviews with a number of management and union leaders in New York City. Everyone was, of course, busy and had little time or inclination to sit still for a two-hour interview with an overserious sociology graduate student. One union leader was especially difficult to corral. He had made and broken half a dozen or more appointments with me and had just informed me he was about to break another. I looked at him ruefully and said, "Gee, Mr. , you sure make it tough for a fellow." Whereupon M r . _ _ took a few long puffs on his cigar and said thoughtfully, "Somebody maybe told you it would be easy?" Well, it has not been easy either for me or for other members of my profession. And it will not become less difficult by the time the year 2000 rolls by.
Water Markets and Water Quality

In addition to improving the allocative efficiency of water use, water markets may reduce irrigation-related water quality problems. This potential benefit is examined with a nonlinear programming model developed to simulate agricultural decision-making in a drainage problem area in California's San Joaquin Valley. Results indicate that a 30% drainage goal is achievable through improvements in irrigation practices and changes in cropping patterns induced by a water market. Although water markets will not generally achieve a least-cost solution, they may be a practical alternative to economically efficient, but informationally intensive, environmental policies such as Pigouvian taxes.
Use of Injectable Urethral Bulking Agents in the Management of Stress Urinary Incontinence

The use of injectable bulking agents is a well-established approach to management of patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). No single bulking agent to date has been shown to be superior or consistently durable in the literature. Novel therapeutic strategies, including the use of injectable, muscle-derived stem cell therapy, have shown promising results in investigational stages. Urethral bulking agent therapy can be helpful in the early management of men with SUI following radical prostatectomy, and in women with SUI due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency, urethral hypermobility, or in the setting of failed midurethral sling placement. Despite their widespread use historically, biocompatible agents have been supplanted in recent years by synthetic agents secondary to their potentially improved durability and nonimmunogenic profiles.
Biochemical Mutant Strains of Neurospora Produced by Physical and Chemical Treatment

ancestors were, with P. axillaris and P. violacea being suspect. However, for those desiring a complete hierarchy the following might be used: Petunia gh. Hybrida ln. Rosy Morn. Here the admittedly spurious specific epithet, "P. hybrida" (which would imply the presence of a natural species), would be transferred to the category of hybrid-group (grex-hybrida), signifying a group of garden hybrids with a presumed common set of ancestors [see paragraph (c) for grex-hybrida]. (b) The clone: essentially uniform material derived from a single individual and propagated entirely by vegetative means, as by cuttings, divisions, grafts, etc. The epithet would be prefixed by the word "clone" (abbreviated as cl.), or indicated by the symbol t Examples: Pelargonium zonale < Mrs. Pollock; Syringa vulgaris cl. Decaisne, or for brevity, Syringa cl. Decaisne; Rhododendron cl. Flamboyant; Picea pungens var. glauca clone R. H. Montgomery. (c) The hybrid-group: a group of hybrids originating from the same parents or series of parents, but whose individuals vary in appearance; the group would be delimited by the potential variations inherent in the parental stocks. The epithet would be prefixed by the hyphenated words "hybrid-group" (Latin, grex-hybrida, abbreviated as gh.). Examples: Rhododendron gh. Ghent [the "Ghent hybrid azaleas," sometimes listed as "R. gandavense" and recorded as the highly variable backcrosses and segregates of R. luteurn X (calendulaceum X nudiflorum) X viscosum X arborescens]; for greater precision a particular clone of this group would be listed as Rhododendron gh. Ghent cl. Flamboyant; Rosa gh. Hybrid Tea; Dahlia gh. Double Decorative. (d) The line-hybrid: a predictably uniform group derived by repetitive hybridization from a series of two or more constantly maintained breeding stocks, these parental "lines" being maintained either by continued inbreeding or as clones. The epithet, or identifying symbol or number, would be prefixed by the hyphenated words "line-hybrid" (Latin, linea-hybrida, abbreviated as "lh."). Examples: This is the standard practice in the "hybrid seed corn" industry-e.g., United States Department of Agriculture, hybrid seed corn No. 13 (usually abbreviated as "hybrid corn, US-13") -which, for greater precision in formal, international literature where the word "corn" has various applications, might be listed as "Zea mays lh. US-13." This method also is an increasingly common practice in the production of ornamentalse.g., some of the so-called named "races" and "varieties" of Lilium offered for sale in large lots while yet seedlings (which, biologically, are neither races nor varieties but controlled hybrids derived from particular combinations between clonally maintained parental lines), the lots presumably virus-free and predictably uniform in ultimate color of flower and plant habit, including season of bloom.
Theology and Chronic Pain: Some Initial Reflections

Chronic pain has received little attention within the academic study of disability and religion. This is a significant loss not only because pain is a common embodied experience but also because reflection on pain offers valuable challenges to existing models of disability: pain does not connect neatly to advocacy work and does not fit well within social and minority understandings of disability, and even medical understandings of pain are inadequate. This essay reflects on pain as a source of knowledge and a way of knowing that is relevant for theological and ethical reflection, particularly within disability and embodiment theologies.
Effect of High Pressure on Vibrational Modes of Polyiodides in Poly(vinyl alcohol) Films

We have used resonance-Raman scattering to study the effects of hydrostatic pressure (to 80 kbar) on polyiodide chain vibrations in iodine-doped poly(vinyl alcohol) films. Two strong fundamental bands are observed along with overtone and combination bands. The low-energy band at 107 cm-1 is attributed to symmetric stretching of I3-. The higher lying band at 154 cm-1 is from symmetric stretching of the two end I2 units in I5-. The I3- and I5- are intermixed within the polyiodide chains. The combination band arises from exciton coupling between molecules within the chains. Three primary effects are observed with increasing pressure. First, the Raman band at 107 cm-1 blue shifts under pressure, while the band at 154 cm-1 shifts weakly. This latter is attributed to the competing effects of compression, enhanced interaction of the outer I2 with the central I- (which weakens the outer I−I bond), and attractive host−guest interactions which increase in strength with compression. The second effect observed in the...
Theory of line narrowing and frequency selection in an injection locked laser

We apply the multimode semiclassical laser theory to the problem of line narrowing and frequency selection in an injection locked laser. Our goal is to predict from the spectroscopic properties of a given active medium, the behavior of a broad-band laser that is under the influence of a narrow-band injected signal. Analytic expressions for the injected signal strength necessary for single-mode operation are obtained for both homogeneously and inhomogeneously broadened lasers, and for small-signal and strong-signal regimes. We found that under certain experimental conditions, an injection locked inhomogeneously broadened laser behaves significantly different from a homogeneously broadened lasel.
Development of a database for assessing dietary phytoestrogen intake.

Abstract For the past two decades, epidemiologists have observed lower risks of lung, breast, prostate, colon, and other cancers in populations that frequently consume fruits and vegetables. Numerous phytoestrogens have been shown to be anticarcinogenic under experimental conditions and may account for at least part of the cancer‐prevention effects of fruit and vegetable consumption. These plant constituents include isoflavonoids, coumestans, lignans, phytosterols, and flavonoids. DietSys, the nutrient analysis program associated with the National Cancer Institute Health Habits and History Questionnaire (HHHQ), and other nationally available nutrient analysis databases do not fully assess these constituents. Therefore, we modified DietSys to include these components in foods on the basis of published values. In addition, as part of an epidemiological study of prostate cancer, we modified the food‐frequency component of the HHHQ to include the main foods contributing to phytoestrogen intake. Although there...
Quality of Life After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Abstract • THE INCIDENCE OF OBESITY is rising worldwide, leading to a related increase in obesity-associated comorbidities that directly affect longevity and quality of life. • SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS, including the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure, are available for those who have increased risk for morbidity and mortality as a result of repeatedly failed medical management of obesity. • THREE MONTHS after undergoing gastric bypass surgery, patients were sent a survey based on the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite instrument. The survey results demonstrated marked improvement in overall quality of life and physical function in this population, as well as the ability to decrease or discontinue medications for obesity-related comorbid conditions. AORN J 85 (April 2007) 768–778.
Environmental lighting alters the infection process in an animal model of AIDS

Abstract In this study, we examined the effects of altered environmental lighting on the infection process of a murine leukemia virus, E-55(+), which induces a thymic lymphoma/leukemia in 100% of BALB.K mice inoculated as adults. One to two weeks after inoculation, high levels of proviral DNA are usually found. This is followed by an asymptomatic period of many weeks during which proviral DNA becomes essentially undetectable. Leukemia develops approximately 28 weeks postinoculation. In this experiment, one group of mice was exposed a consistent 10L : 14D cycle while a second was maintained in constant light (LL). A third group was exposed to a rotating cycle characterized by phase shifting a 10L : 14D cycle every three 24-h days (rLD). All cycles began 2 weeks prior to inoculation and were maintained thereafter. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 5, 10, and 15 weeks, and hematopoietic tissue was examined for proviral DNA content. At 1 week, LL- and rLD-exposed animals showed considerably less proviral DNA in bone marrow and spleen compared with controls. At 15 weeks, thymuses from controls were showing signs of infection whereas tissue from LL and rLD mice remained at background levels. We conclude that environmental lighting does alter the infective pattern displayed by this retrovirus, although whether this effect is mediated by changes in the target stem cells or through immunoenhancement has not yet been determined.
Cesàro means and the Kreiss matrix theorem

Abstract We present some new equivalent conditions in the Kreiss matrix theorem involving higher order Cesaro means. These are interesting for the issue of treating families of matrices with no bound on the dimensions.
Equation of state for detonation products of PBX 9404 and LX04-01

The Chapman-Jouguet pressure and equation of state of the high explosives PBX 9404 (wt%: 94% HMX, 3% nitrocellulose, 3% tris- β -chlorethylphosphate) and LX04-01 (wt%: 85% HMX, 15% Viton A) have been experimentally derived. To assure a strictly one-dimensional geometry, spheres of high explosives were used. Experimental measurements of the radius-time history of material accelerated by the explosive gases were used in conjunction with finite difference calculations of the hydrodynamic equations to obtain some data on high explosives which was previously inaccessible.
Presence of the Epidemic North American Pulsed Field Type 1 Clostridium Difficile Strain in Hospitalized Children

A hypervirulent strain of Clostridium difficile-labeled North American Pulsed Field type 1 causes severe disease in adults. To determine the prevalence of NAP1 C. difficile in children, organisms from consecutive C. difficile toxin-positive stool samples at 2 children's hospitals microbiology laboratories were characterized. We found that 19.4% of these samples were NAP1.
Microtrap interface for on‐line mass spectrometric monitoring of air emissions

One of the problems in on-line mass spectrometric monitoring of air emissions is that whereas organic pollutants are present at trace concentrations (ppm to ppt levels), background gases such as H2O and CO2 may be present at per cent levels. Moisture in particular is a source of serious interference. A sampling interface that eliminates these interferences but allows the continuous introduction of organics into the mass spectrometer is presented. The interface consists of a micro-sorbent trap (referred to as the microtrap) that selectively traps the organics, and then injects them into the mass spectrometer via rapid thermal desorption with an electric pulse of ∽1 s duration. Continuous (or near-continuous) monitoring is achieved by making a series of desorptions while the air flows continuously through the system. The applicability of this approach is demonstrated by monitoring the emissions from a catalytic incinerator. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding Force-Field Bias in Pin1WW

Force field-based molecular dynamics (MD) is a powerful tool that has produced many key insights into the mechanisms of protein folding. However, MD is not without its flaws. One well-documented problem with MD is that some force fields have unphysical biases towards certain secondary structures. This project focuses on understanding one particular example of force field bias: folding pin1WW with the CHARMM27 force field. Pin1WW is a fast-folding protein made up of three β-sheets connected with two hairpin turns. Previous, state-of-the-art folding simulations of pin1WW using the CHARMM27 force field only resulted in α-helical structures, a clear indication of force field bias. This work focuses on two complementary aspects of force field bias: 1) detecting it before performing a simulation and 2) alleviating it to perform unbiased simulations. The initial attempts to detect the presence of bias were based on typical scoring functions used to determine low energy geometries of protein structures. These scoring functions were applied to native state as well as several nonnative helical structures. Many typical functions were not sensitive enough to detect force-field bias. Attempts to correct force-field bias will be based on density functional theory (DFT). Namely, the force matching algorithm will be used to change the force field so that it reproduces DFT energies and forces. However, density functionals need to be benchmarked to ensure that they give accurate results for proteins. Therefore, we also present a comparison of BLYP and PBE (with and without empirical dispersion corrections) and M06.
Canavan Disease: Biochemical and Molecular Studies

Deficiency of the enzyme aspartoacylase and the accumulation ofN-acetylaspartic acid lead to a severe leukodystrophy and spongy degeneration of the brain, Canavan disease (McKusick 271900). Since our discovery in 1988 of the defect in Canavan disease, 144 patients with Canavan disease have been diagnosed in our laboratory. Most of these children are of Ashkenazi Jewish extraction. The level of enzyme activity can be used for carrier testing. Prenatal diagnosis has been difficult using the enzyme assay owing to the low activity of aspartoacylase in cultured chorionic villus samples or amniocytes. The determination ofN-acetylaspartic acid in the amniotic fluid is another parameter for diagnosis; however, the levels may not always be elevated.
Massive Intravascular Hemolysis From Clostridium perfringens Septicemia: A Review

We describe the case of a patient with hemolysis-associated Clostridium perfringens septicemia and review all similar cases published in the literature since 1990, with specific focus on the relationship between treatment strategy and survival. We searched PubMed for all published cases of C. perfringens-associated hemolysis, using the medical subject terms "clostridia," "clostridial sepsis," and/or "hemolysis." All case reports, case series, review articles, and other relevant references published in the English literature since 1990 were included in this study. There were no exclusion criteria. Each case was examined with respect to presenting features of illness, antibiotic regimen, time-to-antibiotic therapy, additional interventions, complications, and patient survival. These variables were entered into a data set and then systematically analyzed with the aid of a statistician, using serial t tests and chi-square analyses. Since 1990, 50 patients of C. perfringens septicemia with hemolysis have been reported. Median age was 61 years (range 31-84), and 58% were male. Mortality was 74%, with a median time to death of 9.7 hours (range 0-96 hours). Of the patients, 35 (70%) were treated medically, while 15 (30%) received antibiotics and surgery. Surgical intervention was associated with significantly improved survival (risk ratio [RR] 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10, 0.53) as was the use of a combination of penicillin and clindamycin (RR of death 0.46, 95% CI 0.25, 0.83). Four patients utilizing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) have been reported, and all patients survived. In cases of clostridial sepsis with hemolysis, strong predictors of survival include early initiation of appropriate antibiotics as well as surgical removal of infected foci. The HBOT may also be associated with survival. The disease often progresses rapidly to death, so rapid recognition is critical for the patient survival.
Transient choroid plexus cysts and benign asymmetrical ventricles: a case suggesting a possible link: case report.

Objective and importance Brain magnetic resonance imaging scans occasionally reveal asymmetrical ventricles with no identifiable cause. A case is presented that highlights a possible connection between transient choroid plexus cysts and benign asymmetrical ventricles. Clinical presentation The patient was a 2.5-week-old asymptomatic boy. Transcranial ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the infant to have a left frontal horn choroid plexus cyst and a mildly dilated left lateral ventricle. Head circumference was at 90% of the norm for age. The neurological examination revealed nothing abnormal. Four months later, follow-up magnetic resonance imaging revealed complete resolution of the cyst with persistent ventricular asymmetry. Intervention No surgical intervention was undertaken. The lesion was assessed via x-ray. Conclusion Spontaneously resolving choroid plexus cysts of infancy causing outflow obstruction of the lateral ventricle may be one of the underlying causes of benign asymmetrical ventricles.
Pyrrolopyridazines. 1. Synthesis and reactivity of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine 5-oxides†

Reaction of ethyl 4-ethoxymethyleneamino-3-methoxy-5-pyridazinylpyruvate 1-oxide (8) under various conditions constitutes a new approach to substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazines. The resulting substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine 5-oxides were allowed to react further to provide a number of new compounds in this ring system.
Hin-mediated site-specific recombination requires two 26 by recombination sites and a 60 by recombinational enhancer

Summary The alternate expression of flagellin genes in Salmonella is the result of an inversion of a 996 bp segment of chromosomal DNA. We have analyzed the components of this site-specific recombination reaction in an in vitro system derived from E. coil. Efficient Hin-mediated inversion requires the 20,000 MW Hin protein and a proteinase K-sensitive host component. The supercoiled DNA substrate must contain two 26 bp recombination sites in inverted configuration and a 60 bp sequence that increases the rate of recombination over 20-fold. This recombinational enhancer can function at many different locations and consists of at least two noncontiguous sequence domains whose relative orientation, but not precise spacing, with respect to each other is important. Synthetically derived wild-type and mutant recombination sites were constructed to analyze the sequence and structural features that are important within the recombination site.
An implicit differential equation governing lumped capacitance, radiation dominated, unsteady, heat transfer

Purpose – Although most physical problems in fluid mechanics and heat transfer are governed by nonlinear differential equations, it is less common to be confronted with a “so – called” implicit differential equation, i.e. a differential equation where the highest order derivative cannot be isolated. The purpose of this paper is to derive and analyze an implicit differential equation that arises from a simple model for radiation dominated heat transfer based upon an unsteady lumped capacitance approach.Design/methodology/approach – Here we discuss an implicit differential equation that arises from a simple model for radiation dominated heat transfer based upon an unsteady lumped capacitance approach. Due to the implicit nature of this problem, standard integration schemes, e.g. Runge‐Kutta, are not conveniently applied to this problem. Moreover, numerical solutions do not provide the insight afforded by an analytical solution.Findings – A predictor predictor‐corrector scheme with secant iteration is presen...
The fate of dsRNA in the nucleus: a p54(nrb)-containing complex mediates the nuclear retention of promiscuously A-to-I edited RNAs.

Abstract How do cells discriminate between selectively edited mRNAs that encode new protein isoforms, and dsRNA-induced, promiscuously edited RNAs that encode nonfunctional, mutant proteins? We have developed a Xenopus oocyte model system which shows that a variety of hyperedited, inosine-containing RNAs are specifically retained in the nucleus. To uncover the mechanism of inosine-induced retention, HeLa cell nuclear extracts were used to isolate a multiprotein complex that binds specifically and cooperatively to inosine-containing RNAs. This complex contains the inosine-specific RNA binding protein p54 nrb , the splicing factor PSF, and the inner nuclear matrix structural protein matrin 3. We provide evidence that one function of the complex identified here is to anchor hyperedited RNAs to the nuclear matrix, while allowing selectively edited mRNAs to be exported.
A note on two parallel algorithms to solve the stable marriage problem

Evidence is presented showing that the McVitie and Wilson algorithm to solve the stable marriage problem has a sequential component that is quite large on the average. Hence parallel implementations of the algorithm are likely to achieve only mediocre average case speedup. A corollary result is that an approximate solution with a few unstable pairings can be found much faster than an exact solution.
Acute otomastoiditis and its complications: Role of imaging

The use of modern antibiotics in the 1940s to treat acute otitis media has significantly reduced the incidence of acute coalescent mastoiditis and otogenic intracranial complications. However, a small proportion (1%-5%) of untreated or inadequately treated patients may experience complications. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance scanning have proven exceedingly valuable in determining the extension of the middle ear and mastoid infections into the neighboring structures, and in particular for the evaluation of otogenic intracranial complications. The objective of this article is to demonstrate the important role of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in the evaluation of the otogenic intracranial complications.
Urinary Estrogen Excretion After ACTH in Ovariectomized Monkeys (Macaca mulatto)

Endometrial stimulation after ACTH treatment of ovariectomized rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatto) provided physiological evidence for estrogen production as a result of adrenal stimulation. In further studies, urinary estrogen excretion was evaluated by means of thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography both before and after ACTH treatment in ovariectomized and ovariectomized-adrenalectomized monkeys. Estrogens (estrone, estradiol-17β and estriol) were undetectable before ACTH. Only estrone was found in the urine of ovariectomized monkeys after ACTH (80 USP units daily for 2–4 weeks). (Endocrinology 82: 876, 1968)
Display Behavior in Tortoises

When compared to lizards or snakes, signals related to warning and threat are not very important in land tortoises. Within social and sexual contexts, tactile and chemical signals seem more important than visual, and certainly than auditor)' ones. Color patterns are rarely, if ever, sexually discriminatory. Seasonal color differences are rare. In general, positional signals are rather limited, chiefly because of the shell. However, shell positional changes are an important part of the visual and tactile signal repertory of all land tortoises. Head movements are also important in several groups. Audible signals are poorly developed. They are largely concerned with courtship and their role is not understood. Chemical signals are pronounced, especially in displays related to sex identification, largely based on scents associated with the cloaca. Tactile displays are important particularly during courtship. They include biting and especially shell ramming by the male. The tail is used as a tactile organ during courtship of some species.
Dried Skim Milk and Other Supplements in the Ration During Gaecal Coccidiosis of Chicks

SummaryFurther evidence is supplied for the unfavorable effect of dry buttermilk in the ordinary type of growing ration when White Leghorn chicks become infected with sizable doses of Eimeria tenella. It is now shown that dry skim milk has an effect similar to that of dry buttermilk. It made little difference when soy bean oil meal (expeller process) was substituted for a considerable part of the meat element in meat scraps, or when a fine grade of low-temperature sardine meal was substituted for dry milks.Further, it was brought out in chicks on 2 different rations that there was no difference in mortality from infective inoculations of 100,000 and 200,000 oocysts (Experiment 3).
Vehicle Effects on Ocular Drug Bioavailability II: Evaluation of Pilocarpine

The influence of vehicle composition on ocular penetration of pilocarpine was studied in the albino rabbit. Increasing the pH of a vehicle promoted increased corneal penetration for pilocarpine, in accordance with the pH-partition hypothesis, but a similar series of experiments with a nonionizable drug, glycerin, gave similar results. The extent of pH-induced lacrimation by the vehicle and its effect on precorneal drug concentration also was determined. Increased pilocarpine absorption at neutral to slightly alkaline pH was due primarily to its peculiar solubility characteristics coupled with less irritation and lacrimation rather than a direct pH effect on the molecule. Incorporation of pilocarpine into a petrolatum-based ointment vehicle resulted in increased aqueous humor pilocarpine levels above those provided by an equivalent dose of aqueous solution. The mechanism of this increase was determined to be a higher effective concentration of pilocarpine in the ointment vehicle coupled with an increase in contact time of the dose. The ointment system also exerted an unusual form of vehicle control in that it promoted the corneal penetration of pilocarpine while impeding uniform mixing of the dose with tears and thereby imposed a restriction on the amount of pilocarpine available to the ocular tissues.
The roles of time and displacement in the evolution effect in rock friction

Room temperature friction experiments on quartzo-feldspathic rocks obey a velocity dependence of strength which consists of two opposite-sensed effects. The second of these effects has a negative velocity dependence and evolves over a characteristic displacement. This evolution effect was originally attributed by Dieterich [1978; 1979] to an underlying time-dependent process but is often described by either of two empirical evolution laws. One depends explicitly on displacement (slip law) and the other retains time dependence (slowness law). The slip law is favored in representing behavior around steady-state as seen in velocity stepping experiments. However, in this study slide-hold-slide tests conducted at different machine stiffnesses show that the evolution effect depends on time, not slip. For the slowness law the coefficient of time-dependent strengthening b is measured directly in slide-hold-slide tests. Existing empirical evolution laws may not be sufficient to describe both near steady-state and non steady-state behavior. Provided a more correct form can be found, time-dependent evolution may improve frictional models of the seismic cycle by reducing the amount of inter-seismic slip.
Simulations of a multiple-core-fiber-based interferometer in the presence of noise

We present results of extensive simulation of the performance of an optical interferometer array based on a new fiber concept with closely spaced multiple cores symmetrically arranged inside a common cladding. While sharing the principal advantages of single-mode (SM) fibers, including spatial filtering of phase-corrupted light and lossless propagation, the multiple core (MC) fibers are predicted to have an enhanced coupling efficiency and comparable noise sensitivity for typical observing conditions of low light levels and moderate to strong turbulence. Moreover, MC fibers have unique practical advantages: by presenting a larger face, they permit relatively easy focusing of light into the fiber, and they are well studied to purely fiber-based beam splitting and beam recombination, making it possible to construct an all- fiber interferometer with reduced complexity and cost. Our simulations of the MC fiber-linked interferometer array encompass a variety of conditions of atmospheric turbulence and photon-counting noise, for observations of a monochromatic point source. We compare the result from simulation to predictions from previous detailed theoretical calculations. Comparisons are made to an interferometer linked with standard SM fibers. We find that the coupling efficiency and sensitivity of the simulated interferometer using MC fibers generally agrees with theoretical predictions. Efforts to manufacture mC fibers are also reviewed.
Quantum confinement of quasi-two-dimensional E 1 excitons in Ge nanocrystals studied by resonant Raman scattering

Ge nanocrystals of diameters ranging from 4 to 10 nm were synthesized by ion implantation of Ge{sup +} ions into SiO{sub 2} films followed by annealing. Confinement of its optical phonon and of the quasi-two-dimensional E{sub 1} exciton have been observed at room temperature by resonant Raman scattering. The observed size-dependent blueshifts of the E{sub 1} excitons energy (which can be larger than 0.7 eV) are found to be in good agreement with a theoretical calculation based on the effective mass approximation. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Electrical properties of undoped single CoO crystals

Abstract Electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient measurements have been carried out on undoped single CoO crystals in the temperature range of 289 to 548 K. All samples were found to be p type semiconductors. The mobility of charge carriers has been determined and the results are explained on the basis of hopping mechanism.
Some Differential-Geometric Remarks on a Method for Minimizing Constrained Functionals of Matrix-Valued Functions

In [3] an approach is given for minimizing certain functionals on certain spaces $${\cal N} = {\rm Maps}(\Omega,N)$$ , where ? is a domain in some Euclidean space and N is a space of square matrices satisfying some extra condition(s), e.g. symmetry and positive-definiteness. The approach has the advantage that in the associated algorithm, the preservation of constraints is built in automatically. One practical use of such an algorithm its its application to diffusion-tensor imaging, which in recent years has been shown to be a very fruitful approach to certain problems in medical imaging. The method in [3] is motivated by differential-geometric considerations, some of which are discussed briefly in [3] and in greater detail in [4]. We describe here certain geometric aspects of this approach that are not readily apparent in [3] or [4]. We also discuss what one can and cannot hope to achieve by this approach.
Does NATO Enlargement Spread Democracy? Evidence from Three Cases∗

Does NATO enlargement spread democracy? The issue has been vigorously disputed since the mid-1990s, but no consensus has yet emerged. We test rival claims about what NATO enlargement can and cannot do by examining three cases—Slovakia, Latvia, and Croatia. We use both numerical ratings by Freedom House and our own qualitative assessment to determine whether these three became more democratic after 1994, when NATO opened the door to expansion, and before 2002, when the second round of expansion was announced. Since all three were more democratic in 2002 than they were in 1994, we conclude that the “carrot” of NATO membership can indeed spread democracy to prospective members.
An ultraslow-spreading class of ocean ridge

New investigations of the Southwest Indian and Arctic ridges reveal an ultraslow-spreading class of ocean ridge that is characterized by intermittent volcanism and a lack of transform faults. We find that the mantle beneath such ridges is emplaced continuously to the seafloor over large regions. The differences between ultraslow- and slow-spreading ridges are as great as those between slow- and fast-spreading ridges. The ultraslow-spreading ridges usually form at full spreading rates less than about 12 mm yr-1, though their characteristics are commonly found at rates up to approximately 20 mm yr-1. The ultraslow-spreading ridges consist of linked magmatic and amagmatic accretionary ridge segments. The amagmatic segments are a previously unrecognized class of accretionary plate boundary structure and can assume any orientation, with angles relative to the spreading direction ranging from orthogonal to acute. These amagmatic segments sometimes coexist with magmatic ridge segments for millions of years to form stable plate boundaries, or may displace or be displaced by transforms and magmatic ridge segments as spreading rate, mantle thermal structure and ridge geometry change.
Decomposition of bacterial polymers in soil and their influence on soil structure

The adherence of soil particles into stable aggregates increases with the addition of monosaccharides or polysaccharde polymers to soil, either as plant residues, microbial metabolites, or as simple carbohydrates. Microbial polysaccharides are one of the most effective organic agents that promote soil aggregate stability, but the effectiveness of these polymers in stabilizing soil particles varies dramatically between microbial strains, the amount present and the prevailing environmental conditions. We conducted glasshouse and laboratory studies to determine the effectiveness of selected microbial polymers in stabilizing soil aggregates. The addition and thorough mixing of 1.0 mg microbial polymer C g−1 soil of seven bacteria strains (Arthrobacter viscocus, Azotobacter indicus, Bacillus subtilus, Chromobacterium violaceum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas strain I, and Pseudomonas strain II), three deuteromycete strains (Cryptococcus laurentii, Hansenula holstii, and Mucor rouxii), and two reference compounds (hydroxyethyl guar and glucose) to an Arlington coarse-loamy soil resulted in stimulated soil respiration, increased aggregate stability, and decreased soil bulk density and modulus of rupture when incubated from 1 to 12 weeks. The monosaccharides present in the added polymers were rapidly decomposed and the sacchride content of the polymer-treated soil returned to the level of the soil control (with no polymer addition) after 2 weeks of incubation, while the maximum increase in soil aggregate stability was noted during the 3rd and 4th weeks of incubation. Statistical analyses showed that the glucose content of the polymers added was significantly correlated with soil aggregation [weeks 1 (r=0.78***) and 2 (r=0.61*)], but the extractable soil saccharides were not significantly correlated with increased aggregate stability or decreased soil bulk density during this study. When microbial extracellular polymers were added to soil only a transient increase in soil stability was measured upon decomposition of the added saccharides. This finding suggests that the stabilization of soil aggregates is a result of other microbial processes or metabolites rather than the direct binding effects of the added polysaccharides.
Placental Barrier to the Fetal Transfer of Maternal Chloroleukemia In Rats.

SummaryI. No leukemia developed in a total of 84 offspring of a group of female rats with either active or latent Shay chloroleukemia followed for periods up to 2 years. None of 22 F2 generation offspring followed for a similar period developed leukemia. II. These data indicate efficient transplacental inhibition of Shay chloroleukemia transmission in rats. Although transplacental passage of inadequate numbers of leukemic cells may account for this result there is some evidence that either the placenta or some humoral placental factor may be responsible.