cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A 36 nucleotide deletion mutation in the coding region of the NS1 gene of an influenza A virus RNA segment 8 specifies a temperature-dependent host range phenotype

Previously a spontaneous 36 nucleotide deletion in the coding region of NS1 was detected in the NS gene of a reassortant virus (CR43-3) recovered from a dual infection by the influenza A/Ann Arbor/6/60 cold-adapted (ca) mutant and wild-type (wt) influenza A/Alaska/6/77 (H3N2). The hemagglutinin, neuraminidase and NS genes were derived from the wild type virus parent while the other 5 genes were derived from the ca parent. The CR43-3 reassortant virus exhibited: (i) a host range (hr) phenotype, i.e. the reassortant replicated efficiently in avian cells in tissue culture but failed to grow in mammalian (MDCK) cell culture and (ii) an attenuation (att) phenotype, i.e., the reassortant was restricted in replication in the upper and lower respiratory tract of ferrets and hamsters. Since the CR43-3 reassortant possessed 5 genes from the ca parent which are each known to contain one or more mutations, it was not possible to assign the hr and att phenotypes solely to the NS deletion mutant gene. In order to determine the phenotype(s) specified solely by the mutant NS gene, it was transferred into a reassortant virus (143-1) which derived its seven other genes from the homologous wild type A/Alaska/6/77 virus. The deletion mutant NS gene specified only a partial hr phenotype manifested by a reduction in plaque size in MDCK tissue, but not a reduction in plaque number. Thus, the complete hr manifested by the CR43-3 parent virus is specified by the mutant NS1 gene acting in concert with one or more genes derived from the ca virus. The clone 143-1 virus exhibited the ts phenotype and was restricted in plaque formation at 37 degrees C in MDCK cells, a level of temperature sensitivity previously shown with other ts mutants to correlate with significant restriction of viral replication in the lower respiratory tract of hamsters. However, the clone 143-1 virus grew almost as well as the wt virus in the upper and lower respiratory tracts of hamsters and chimpanzees and thus did not possess the att phenotype. The finding that the ts phenotype was not manifest in vivo in animals with a 37 degrees C core temperature indicates that the mutated NS1 gene specifies a host dependent ts phenotype with replication restricted in vitro (MDCK tissue culture) at 37 degrees C but not in vivo in the lungs of hamsters and chimpanzees. ts+ virus was readily recovered from infected hamsters and chimpanzees indicating that the ts phenotype specified by the 36-base deletion was not stable following replication in vivo.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Cation exchange properties of plant root surfaces.

Plant roots show the “suspension effect” and interact with neutral salts with the development of exchange acidity, thus indicating the existence of a cation double layer associated with root surface. Plant root surfaces possess cation exchange capacities which may be measured by the adsorption and release of various cations. H-ions are associated with root surfaces in exchangeable form, and may be replaced by other cations.
Substance use and non-clinical panic attacks in a young adult sample.

Abstract This study examines panic attacks and substance use in a non-clinical, young adult sample. Two hundred seventy-nine college students completed questionnaires that assessed non-clinical panic attacks, alcohol and drug use behavior, and anxiety and depression symptoms. Non-clinical panickers ( n =25) were significantly more likely than non-panickers ( N =222) to report using sedatives, but not alcohol, cocaine, stimulants, or other drugs. Among non-clinical panickers, sedative use was not associated with distress about panic attacks, panic attack frequency, the occurrence of unexpected attacks, or general anxiety or depression symptoms. Coping-motivated alcohol use, though not associated with non-clinical panic, was significantly associated with anxiety and depression symptoms. These results are discussed in terms of theories of the co-morbidity between substance use and panic disorder.
Demonstration-based control of supernumerary robotic limbs

The body representation in the human mind is dynamic, and illusions or traumatic events can modify it to include additional limbs. This remarkable adaptability of the central nervous system to different body configurations opens new possibilities in the field of human augmentation. In order to fully exploit this potential, we developed a new type of wearable co-robot that can perform tasks in close coordination with the human user. The system, named Supernumerary Robotic Limbs (SRL), consists of two additional robotic arms worn through a backpack-like harness. The SRL can assist the user by holding objects, lifting weights and streamlining the execution of a task. If the SRL perform movements closely coordinated with the user and exhibit human-like dynamics, they might be incorporated into the body representation and perceived as parts of the user's body. As a result, the human would be able to extend the range of available skills and manipulation possibilities, performing tasks more effectively and with less effort. This paper presents a communication, estimation and control method for the SRL, aimed to perform tasks in tight coordination with the wearer. The SRL observes the user motion, and actively assists the human by employing a coordinated control algorithm. In particular, skills involving the direct cooperation of two human workers are transferred to the SRL and a single user. Demonstration data of the two humans - a leader and an assistant - are analyzed and a state estimation algorithm is extracted from them. This can be used to control the SRL accordingly with the used end effectors. A causal relationship relating the assistant's motion to the leader's motion is identified based on System Identification methods. This approach is applied to a drilling operation performed by two workers. An effective coordination skill is identified and transferred to the SRL, to make them act like the human follower.
Decomposition of Chrysotile Asbestos by Fluorosulfonic Acid

The effect of a fluorosulfonic acid (FSO3H) aqueous solution on decomposing the chrysotile asbestos fibers was investigated by using FT-IR, XRD, and XPS. From the equilibrium of FSO3H in an aqueous...
Structure of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cet1-Ceg1 mRNA Capping Apparatus

Summary The 5′ guanine-N7 cap is the first cotranscriptional modification of messenger RNA. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae , the first two steps in capping are catalyzed by the RNA triphosphatase Cet1 and RNA guanylyltransferase Ceg1, which form a complex that is directly recruited to phosphorylated RNA polymerase II (RNAP IIo), primarily via contacts between RNAP IIo and Ceg1. A 3.0 A crystal structure of Cet1-Ceg1 revealed a 176 kDa heterotetrameric complex composed of one Cet1 homodimer that associates with two Ceg1 molecules via interactions between the Ceg1 oligonucleotide binding domain and an extended Cet1 WAQKW amino acid motif. The WAQKW motif is followed by a flexible linker that would allow Ceg1 to achieve conformational changes required for capping while maintaining interactions with both Cet1 and RNAP IIo. The impact of mutations as assessed through genetic analysis in S. cerevisiae is consonant with contacts observed in the Cet1-Ceg1 structure.
New mouse model for polycystic kidney disease with both recessive and dominant gene effects

New mouse model for polycystic kidney disease with both recessive and dominant gene effects. In the course of studying the genetics of chlorambucil mutagenesis, we have uncovered a new model for autosomal polycystic kidney disease (PKD). In the homozygous condition, the gene, jcpk , causes a very severe disease characterized by cysts in all segments of the nephron. Death usually occurs before 10 days of age. Extrarenal involvement was also noted; enlarged bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gall bladder often accompanied the PKD. In addition, approximately 25% of the aged +/ jcpk heterozygotes show evidence of glomerulocystic disease. This gene maps to Chromosome 10 between two DNA markers, D10Mit20 and D10Mit42. Because this gene causes extrarenal abnormalities and because it has a heterozygote effect, it may be an informative animal model for the commonly occurring human adult dominant PKD.
Night waking and temperament in infancy.

In a randomly selected series of 60 infants in a single private practice, 15 (25 per cent) had the sleep disturbance of night waking between 6 and 12 months of age. There was a significant correlation (p
Retrieval of free space radiation pattern through non-anechoic data

The objective is to demonstrate a new approach for approximating the free space radiation pattern of an antenna, through the non-anechoic environment data. The key point of this method is to describe the non-anechoic environment using the impulse response of it both in time and angular domain. And the free space radiation pattern can then be extracted through further processing of the measured data. Examples have been presented in this work to show it as a useful alternative to widely used classical methods.
The Status of development of Organic Light Emitting Diodes / Organic Thin-film Transistors

Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) display on polymer film substrate is developed, which is thin, lightweight, unbreakable and flexible. In this case, plastic is used for substrate and gas barrier film is coated on the substrate for protecting from the moisture. And then, dampproofing is given by thin passivation film after fabricating an OLED. Research of the Organic thin-film transistors (TFTs) to drive the OLEDs is also advanced, and we fabricated the 8x8-pixel display device using Organic TFTs with pentacene in the active layer. This device is driven by the frame frequency of 60Hz and the scan duty factor per line of 1/60, and the luminance of 400 cd/m2 is obtained.
Establishment, characterization and drug sensitivity of four new human soft tissue sarcoma cell lines

Four new cell lines were established from patients with soft tissue sarcomas. Drug sensitivity as well as genotypic characterization, which may be related to drug sensitivity in these cell lines, was determined. Karyotype, H-ras, c-myc and mutant p53 gene expression, Rb, G 1 - and S-phase cyclins, E2F and major cyclin/CDK inhibitors such as p16 and p21 and p-glycoprotein were analyzed using cytogenetic, Northern blot and immunological methods. Drug sensitivity was determined using growth inhibition tests. These cell lines differed in their morphology and growth rates, forming colonies in soft agar with a cloning efficiency of 4.3-13.4%, and 3 of the 4 cell lines grew in nude mice. Cytogenetic analysis of cell lines revealed highly aneuploid karyotypes. Deletion and/or translocation of chromosome 17 was seen in HS-l6, HS-18 and HS-30 cells, and both copies of chromosome 13 were lost or re-arranged in the HS-18 cell line. Mutant p53 protein was present in all 4 cell lines. HS-18 cells showed no expression of the Rb protein and high levels of expression of E2F, cyclin A, cyclin E and CDK2. HS-16 expressed a higher level of cyclin D than the other 3 cell lines. p21 waf1 expression was seen in all cell lines, but p16 Ink4 was expressed only in HS-30 and HS-42 cell lines. These cell lines were sensitive to taxol and relatively resistant to methotrexate, vinblastine and 5-fluorouracil when compared with the fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080. These new cell lines should provide a useful model for the study of soft tissue sarcomas and for evaluating new drugs or treatments.
One-gluon-exchange quark scattering and large- p T inclusive data

Calculations based on the idea of asymptotic freedom enable one to estimate an effective quark-gluon coupling from experimental observations of scaling violations in deep-inelastic scattering, from Okubo-Zweig-Iizuku-rule--forbidden decays of the psi and the psi', and from corrections to the parton model for sigma (e/sup +/e/sup -/ ..-->.. hadrons). These estimates then make it possible to normalize the one-gluon-exchange Born term for quark-quark elastic scattering and, within the context of hard-scattering models for hadronic collisions, obtain a lower limit on large-p/sub T/ inclusive cross sections. The theoretical lower limit for the cross section is found to be slightly below CERN ISR data on pp ..-->.. ..pi../sup 0/X at ..sqrt..s = 53 GeV, p/sub T/ > or = 6 GeV. Further measurements at the CERN ISR or at projected new accelerators may be sensitive to the presence of this mechanism. Such measurements will be extremely important in testing the underlying unity of diverse reactions within the general framework of quark-gluon dynamics. They may also provide the most direct determination of the effective hadronic coupling constant.
Enhancement of ERBS data by using data from sounders onboard NPP/NPOESS and METOP satellites

Abstract The operational climate monitoring and diagnostic community will continue to favor in using outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) estimates that have long and continuous time series such as those estimated from the High Resolution Infrared Sounder (HIRS). OLR from HIRS data could be generated since these data exist since 1979 and will continue during NPOESS era with Cross-Track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) and HIRS/4 on NPOESS and METOP satellites, respectively. OLR estimated from Earth Radiation Budget Suite (ERBS)/Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) can be used to calibrate the HIRS technique that will be used to generate continuous time series of OLR. This will ensure to have a consistent climate data involving different data sources. OLR generated from CrIS on the afternoon orbit could provide a backup in the event of ERBS’s failure. There will be three evenly spaced sounders (two CrIS and one HIRS/4) that could be used to retrieve OLR allowing therefore a better definition of the diurnal variability of OLR. This paper will present results from GOES sounder data to estimate OLR using an approach similar to that used for HIRS. The instantaneous OLR estimates are compared with collocated OLR products from the CERES instruments onboard TRMM and Terra spacecraft to establish the instantaneous accuracy of the multi-spectral estimation techniques for homogeneous scenes. The hourly GOES sounder OLR estimates are used to study the diurnal cycle of OLR. The time-averaged data are used to estimate the accuracy of the ERBE/CERES and HIRS diurnal cycle models as applied to daily- and monthly-averaged products at different spatial resolutions. The study suggests that the technique can be implemented for NPOESS using the CrIS and HIRS/4 for both augmenting the temporal sampling of OLR estimates and reducing the risk of OLR EDR generation.
An experimental study of the surface chemistry and evaporation kinetics of liquid sodium

Abstract The evaporation rate and internal energy distribution of Na 2 evaporating from clean liquid Na and liquid Na exposed separately to O 2 and benzene were investigated by laser spectroscopy. The evaporating Na 2 was always found to be in thermal equilibrium with the surface. Oxygen increased the evaporation rate while benzene diminished it. A 3 keV Ar + beam was used to examine the surface by monitoring secondary ion emission. Ion emission from clean and oxygen exposed Na was extremely low; only limits could be established. Ion emission from sodium exposed to benzene could be observed only at lowered temperatures. The secondary ion emission, as well as visual observation of Na ( 2 P→ 2 S) emission, are found to correspond to the evaporation rate behavior indicating that the Na surface remains very metal rich even while reacting with impinging oxygen at high (10 monolayers/s) rates.
Hydrodechlorination of 1,1-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE) in the vapor phase

Abstract The catalytic hydrodechlorination of 1% solutions in xylene of 1,1-bis( p -chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethylene ( p , p ′-DDE) and the corresponding ethane ( p , p ′-DDD) were studied in a continuous gas-phase reactor over a prereduced 0.35-wt% Pd on α-Al 2 O 3 catalyst at 170–230 °C, 40–670 Torr of H 2 . Reaction stoichiometry for DDE was a network characterized either by the addition of one H 2 to remove one aromatic chlorine at a time or by addition of 3H 2 , resulting in removal of two olefinic chlorines and olefin saturation. This latter process proceeds without measurable desorption of intermediates such as substituted ethylidene dichlorides, vinylchlorides, ethylchlorides, or ethylenes. Olefinic hydrocechlorination is a precursor to hydrogenation of the dechlorinated olefin. Selectivity analyses by reaction path methods established relative reaction rates for each step. The reactions were first order in hydrogen for aromatic hydrodechlorination. Rate data were fitted by Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetics, in which xylene inhibits the surface reaction.
Membrane Elasticity in Giant Vesicles with Fluid Phase Coexistence

Biological membranes are known to contain compositional heterogeneities, often termed rafts, with distinguishable composition and function, and these heterogeneities participate in vigorous transport processes. Membrane lipid phase coexistence is expected to modulate these processes through the differing mechanical properties of the bulk domains and line tension at phase boundaries. In this contribution, we compare the predictions from a shape theory derived for vesicles with fluid phase coexistence to the geometry of giant unilamellar vesicles with coexisting liquid-disordered (Ld) and liquid-ordered (Lo) phases. We find a bending modulus for the Lo phase higher than that of the Ld phase and a saddle-splay (Gauss) modulus difference with the Gauss modulus of the Lo phase being more negative than the Ld phase. The Gauss modulus critically influences membrane processes that change topology, such as vesicle fission or fusion, and could therefore be of significant biological relevance in heterogeneous membranes. Our observations of experimental vesicle geometries being modulated by Gaussian curvature moduli differences confirm the prediction by the theory of Juelicher and Lipowsky.
Dynamics of the terrestrial planets from a large number of N-body simulations

The agglomeration of planetary embryos and planetesimals was the final stage of terrestrial planet formation. This process is modeled using N-body accretion simulations, whose outcomes are tested by comparing to observed physical and chemical Solar System properties. The outcomes of these simulations are stochastic, leading to a wide range of results, which makes it difficult at times to identify the full range of possible outcomes for a given dynamic environment. We ran fifty high-resolution simulations each with Jupiter and Saturn on circular or eccentric orbits, whereas most previous studies ran an order of magnitude fewer. This allows us to better quantify the probabilities of matching various observables, including low probability events such as Mars formation, and to search for correlations between properties. We produce many good Earth analogues, which provide information about the mass evolution and provenance of the building blocks of the Earth. Most observables are weakly correlated or uncorrelated, implying that individual evolutionary stages may reflect how the system evolved even if models do not reproduce all of the Solar System's properties at the end. Thus individual N-body simulations may be used to study the chemistry of planetary accretion as particular accretion pathways may be representative of a given dynamic scenario even if that simulation fails to reproduce many of the other observed traits of the Solar System.
Slow Evaporation of Water from Hydrated Salen Transition Metal Complexes in the Gas Phase Reveals Details of Metal Ligand Interactions

Water clusters of salen [N,N‘-ethylenebis(salicylideneaminato)] transition metal complexes [(salen)M, M = Cr3+, Mn3+, Co3+] formed by electrospray source have been investigated using a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometer. Kinetics of water evaporation from the cluster ions is observed to be highly dependent on the central metal ion. For example, the evaporation rate of water from solvated salen chromium ion ([SCr + nH2O]+) is significantly slower than that from solvated salen manganese ([SMn + nH2O]+) and solvated salen cobalt ([SCo + nH2O]+) ions. Furthermore, the clusters of salen chromium ions with two waters attached exhibit special stability, indicated by their prominence in the overall cluster distribution. In contrast, no specific solvation is observed for the manganese and cobalt complexes. The lability observed for the hydrated salen cobalt complex suggests that the high-spin state is likely to be involved in the evaporation process. These results are in accordanc...
A needs assessment for a palliative care curriculum.

To ensure the success of a new curriculum at an institution, information about the educational needs of learners, available resources, and potential obstacles needs to be systematically collected and analyzed prior to the development and implementation of the actual curriculum. This process, known as needs assessment, is important in the development of palliative care training for internal medicine residents, because internal medicine has only recently begun to address these issues in a formalized way and palliative care is a relatively new topic in medical education and clinical medicine. Therefore, institutional issues and resistance, lack of knowledge and appropriate attitudes among trainees and faculty, and a paucity of educational models for individual internal medicine training programs present potential obstacles. Although curricula that have been developed by national organizations can serve as “guideposts,” these documents are unable to address the specific needs and culture of an individual institution. This paper outlines a systematic methodology of needs assessment for palliative care curricula at individual institutions that could be applied to the development and implementation of palliative care training for different groups of learners. An institution-specific needs assessment was developed based upon the findings of a systematic literature review and interviews with experts in palliative medicine and medical education. The following methods were utilized: 1) an anonymous survey; 2) focus groups; 3) topic rankings; and 4) individual interviews. The needs assessment revealed the following educational, clinical, and institutional information: 1) interns had very little exposure to palliative care in medical school; 2) there was no formalized system for formal education and clinical exposure; 3) tremendous interest in palliative care education existed; 4) patients, families, physicians, and nurses perceived a need to improve the quality of palliative care; and 5) there are several political, logistical, and resource (time and financial) obstacles that needed to be addressed. An institution-specific needs assessment is an important part of the successful development and implementation of any new curriculum for medical residents and was specifically necessary for our palliative care program. As a result of the needs assessment process, a curriculum consisting of ten units of case-based and problem-based teaching was
Ultrastructural and acid phosphatase histochemical analysis of developmental lens abnormalities in rats with X-ray-induced cataract mutation.

Lenses from normal Wistar rats and those from a Wistar strain with X-ray-induced cataract mutation were examined electron microscopically for morphological characterization and acid phosphatase (AcPase) localization. Ocular anlages of 11 through 18 days of gestation were included in the study.A late-separating or persistent lens stalk occasionally was seen in the mutant eyes at 13 days of gestation, but never was observed in eyes of normal animals. The first regular morphological lens abnormality, also observed at 13 days, consisted of an accumulation of unelongated fiber cells (fusiform cells) in the posterior of the mutant lens. Ultrastructurally, these cells contained increased amounts of polyribosomes and coagulated proteins, but lacked the microtubules characteristic of elongated fiber cells.Intercellular AcPase activity appeared in the lens epithelium of both strains of rat beginning at 13 days of gestation, but was sparse in the normal strain. Intercellular reaction product attributable to AcPase a...
Calcium-Sensitive Translocation of Calmodulin and Neurogranin between Soma and Dendrites of Mouse Hippocampal CA1 Neurons.

Calmodulin (CaM) and neurogranin (Ng) are two abundant neuronal proteins whose interactions are implicated in the regulation of synaptic responses and plasticity. We employed the “low-calcium” mode...
Modeling the variability of firing rate of retinal ganglion cells.

Abstract Impulse trains simulating the maintained discharges of retinal ganglion cells were generated by digital realizations of the integrate-and-fire model. If the mean rate were set by a “bias” level added to “noise,” the variability of firing would be related to the mean firing rate as an inverse square root law; the maintained discharges of retinal ganglion cells deviate systematically from such a relationship. A more realistic relationship can be obtained if the integrate-and-fire mechanism is “leaky”; with this refinement, the integrate-and-fire model captures the essential features of the data. However, the model shows that the distribution of intervals is insensitive to that of the underlying variability. The leakage time constant, threshold, and distribution of the noise are confounded, rendering the model unspecifiable. Another aspect of variability is presented by the variance of responses to repeated discrete stimuli. The variance of response rate increases with the mean response amplitude; the nature of that relationship depends on the duration of the periods in which the response is sampled. These results have defied explanation. But if it is assumed that variability depends on mean rate in the way observed for maintained discharges, the variability of responses to abrupt changes in lighting can be predicted from the observed mean responses. The parameters that provide the best fits for thez variability of responses also provide a reasonable fit to the variability of maintained discharges.
Characterization of Dual Mutant RyR1D-S100A1KO Mice with Disrupted CaM and S100A1 Binding to CaMBD2 and Lacking S100A1 Expression

S100A1 and calmodulin (CaM) modulate skeletal muscle Ca2+ signaling. Recently, isothermal titration calorimetry demonstrated that CaM binds to three regions within the ryanodine receptor type-1 (RyR1) sequence: CAMBD1, residues 1975-1999; CaMBD2, residues 3614-3640; CAMBD3, residues 4295-4325 (Lau K, et al., 2014). We previously studied the binding to and modulation of RyR1 by CaM and S100A1 via CaMBD2, showing that skeletal muscle fibers from S100A1 knock out (S100A1KO) mice or RyR1-L3625D (RyR1D) mice (having disrupted CaM and S100A1 binding to CaMBD2), exhibit impaired RyR1 regulation. Here we propose and test the hypothesis that S100A1 also modulates fiber activation via sites other than CaMBD2. Double mutant mice were generated by crossbreeding homozygous RyR1D and S100A1KO mice to obtain homozygous double mutant RyR1D-S100A1KO mice, which were viable and appeared normal. Homozygous RyR1D mice were used as controls to eliminate any effect of binding at CaMBD2. In vivo stimulation of tibialis anterior muscles in anesthetized mice showed that maximal specific force was reduced in RyR1D-S100A1KO compared with RyR1D muscles (RyR1D Po= 5.15 ± .09 g/mg, RyR1D-S100A1KO Po= 4.05 ± .09 g/mg; p < 0.05). Using high-speed confocal microscopy of Ca2+ indicator rhod-2, we show that RyR1D-S100A1KO flexor digitorum brevis muscle fibers exhibit increased global myoplasmic Ca2+ transients following field stimulation. We also found no differences in myoplasmic resting Ca2+ between RyR1D and RyR1D-S100A1KO. Our results indicate that RyR1D-S100A1KO muscles have increased SR Ca2+ release, however exhibit reduced force generation. These results suggest that S100A1, similar to CaM, binds to different regions within the RyR1, but also indicates that S100A1 could bind to other target proteins (i.e., contractile apparatus). Where and how exactly S100A1 exerts these additional effects is currently unknown. Support: NIH R37-AR055099 and R01-AR059179.
Characterization of Ridge Trace Behavior

Abstract The main objective of this article is to provide some new findings on the algebraic properties of a ridge trace (i.e., the graph of ridge regression coefficients vs. the scalar ridge parameter). These properties evolve by first expressing ridge regression coefficients as rational functions, i.e., the ratio of polynomials in the ridge parameter, k. Specific properties can then be derived assuming the correlation matrix for the independent variables has a specific structure. Some results are possible without imposing this later condition. In particular, we focus on sign changes, criss-crossing, and rate-of-change of the ridge coefficients. This work provides explicit quantitative insights into the behavior depicted by a ridge trace.
Intermediate Voltage Microscopy

Examining the advantages and limitations of electron microscopy at inter-mediate voltages (greater than ≈100 kV but less than 500 kV), this article emphasizes aspects of microscopy that cannot be performed using ≈100 kV instruments as well as applications that previously required instruments operating at greater than 500 kV. Based on early results, intermediate voltage microscopy appears to be achieving theoretical predictions. In the area of analytical microscopy, however, further research is necessary to explore its full potential. Nevertheless, these new classes of microscopes have enabled high resolution imaging and microanalysis with the same instrument.
The isolation of a Distal-less gene fragment from two molluscs.

The transcription factor, Distal-less, and its orthologues (e.g. DLL/Dlx) are best known for their roles in proximo-distal and nervous system patterning as well as for their use in inferring the evolution of limbs and other proximo-distal structures. However, evolutionary applications to non-model taxa have primarily employed a polyclonal antibody, and sequence data are generally lacking. We have designed a degenerate PCR primer set specific to the recovery of a Distal-less gene fragment, and present sequence data for two bivalve molluscs, Crassostrea gigas and Nutricola sp. These sequences represent the first Distal-less homologs isolated from lophotrochozoan taxa.
Decline of U.S. Voter Turnout: Structural Explanations

This article explores structural causes of the decline in turnout in American elections. One-quarter of the 10 percentage point decline in presidential turnout since 1964 is explained by a changing age distribution. America's population is growing in just those young and old age groups that vote in low rates. A second structural cause is an expanding election calendar across federal, state, and local governments. A disaggregation of elections has increased the number of times electors are called to the polls, which has contributed to declining turnout in individual elections. Finally, tracing individual voter histories across a series of elections provides evidence of a core electorate, which is large as a proportion of the registered electorate and which votes at a reasonably high and equal level. The evidence for these voter histories is drawn from the CPS Voter Validation Study and from a sample of registered voters in a Connecticut town.
The industrial society in transition: Comparative public policymaking - the United States and Sweden

This paper attempts to contrast the industrial policymaking “styles” of the U.S. and Sweden. The study looks past the clutter of economic and trade issues into underlying political culture and institutional regime. The conceptual framework of pluralism versus managed pluralism is employed to examine some complex issues related to economic and industrial management, and to help explain the problem. A strategy to advance the long-term interests of a country must go beyond the “legislative pork barrel” approach, simply to create employment and to keep jobs. Industrial policy must have both institutional and policy linkages. Government-business cooperation at a sectoral level is essential in providing policy loans and tax incentives. The state, to facilitate policy implementation, has to pursue linkage developments between industrial, human resource, economic, and trade policies.
Prepubertal onset of diabetes prevents expression of renal cortical connective tissue growth factor

Puberty unmasks or accelerates the nephropathy of diabetes mellitus (DM). We performed focused microarray analysis to test the hypothesis that one or more genes in the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling system would be differentially regulated in male rats depending on their age at onset of DM. Littermates were started on the 6-week protocol at 4 weeks or 14 weeks of age. Renal cortical RNA was isolated and analyzed using gene chips with more than 30,000 transcripts. Age-specific effects of DM were demonstrated for 1,760 transcripts. Analysis then focused on 89 genes involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway. Three of these genes showed age-dependent responses to DM, confirmed by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA and protein were both increased ∼30% in the renal cortex 6 weeks after adult-onset DM, with no alteration in either parameter after juvenile onset. Follistatin and avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog mRNA both showed a similar age-related pattern of response to DM, but protein levels did not parallel mRNA for either of these gene products. Given the known roles of CTGF in progressive nephropathies, it is an attractive candidate to explain pubertal acceleration or unmasking of the kidney disease of diabetes.
Microprocessor system designs for control oriented projects

Abstract Microprocessor based industrial, consumer, and defense products involve not only the design of microprocessor hardware and software, but also the design of interface drivers, communication circuits, and of actuating mechanical devices. An integrated methodology of design is followed in the invention of such products. All aspects of microprocessor design, electronic circuit synthesis, and mechanical device construction, must be simultaneously considered and developed during the design process. Projects from the archives of the Georgia Institute of Technology's Mechanical Engineering instructional laboratories are used to illustrate this concept of integrated design.
The structure of the DNA containing the E. coli tRNATry gene.

Using the pMB9 recombinant plasmid pMY3, which contains a functional gene for the tRNATry mutant Su+7, the EcoRI fragment containing the tRNATry gene is mapped and oriented with respect to the HindIII site in the tetracycline region of pMB9. Complete HpaII and HaeIII maps of the EcoRI fragment are derived. The Su+7 tRNA gene is placed by hybridization to these fragments, and the tRNA gene is oriented by using the restriction sites for HinfI, TaqI, and HpaII in the tRNA gene itself. A tRNAAsp gene is shown to lie adjacent to tRNATry, and is also placed and oriented in the map. The RI fragment itself originates in a locus adjacent to, and transcribed in the same direction as, the ribosomal RNA genes of ϕ80d3.
Evaluation of chronic urethritis. Defining the role for endoscopic procedures.

• We determined the prevalence of structural and functional abnormalities of the lower urinary tract in a carefully defined population of 36 men with chronic urethritis who were attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic. They had experienced symptoms for an average of 12.1 months and had been treated with an average of 5.1 courses of antimicrobial drugs. All had objective evidence of urethral inflammation and negative cultures for both Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis . Stuctural abnormalities were documented in nine (25%) of 36 patients but were considered clinically significant in only four. Physical examination and uroflow testing led to clinical suspicion of anatomic abnormalities in all four patients with significant lesions, which included urethral strictures in three patients and benign prostatic hypertrophy in one patient. Additional abnormal findings included wide-bore strictures In three patients and developmental abnormalities of doubtful significance in two patients. Increased numbers of inflammatory cells in expressed prostatic secretions were associated with the presence of structural abnormalities. We conclude that among men with chronic urethritis, careful physical examination and uroflow studies can be used to screen for evidence of structural abnormalities that merit endoscopic evaluation. ( Arch Intern Med 1988;148:703-707)
Stereochemistry of carbon monoxide binding to myoglobin and hemoglobin.

Abstract The binding of carbon monoxide to myoglobin and hemoglobin is examined to determine the origin of the deviation of the FeCO geometry from that found in model systems. Possible distortions due to protein-ligand interactions are analyzed with special attention to protein relaxation. It is estimated that the protein can support a strain of less than 10 kcal per mole; this may be sufficient to produce a displacement of a linear FeCO unit from the heme normal.
Chromatography of nucleosides.

Abstract The chromatographic parameters affectingthe reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) separation of major and modified nucleosides with a μBondapak C 18 column have been studied. This investigation has resulted in the HPLC separation of eighteen nucleosides in a single analysis. The parameters studied include: the mobile phase flow-rate, pH, methanol concentration, column temperature and injection volume. Each parameter was investigated individually to observe the effect on the chromatographic behavior of the nucleosides. The relationships which we have established for the elution of the nucleosides as a function of the respective parameters investigated can be used to predict their separation. From these experiments, the chromatographic conditions for the separation of urinary nucleosides were optimized using both isocratic and step gradient conditions. The step gradient system is more suitable for determining the nucleoside composition of tRNA hydrolysates, and the complete separation of the major ribo- and deoxyribonucleosides can be accomplished. Also, we have studied the storage stability of urinary nucleosides, and have looked for nucleotides and oligonucleotides in normal and cancer patient uring and found none. In addition, we report a rapid isocratic system for the separation of m 2 2 G and t 6 A. A most significant aspect of this research is the determination of the effects of various chromatographic parameters on the reversed-phase HPLC separation of the nucleosides. These findings provide great flexibility in the analysis of nucleosides in that these data form a guide for finding optimal conditions for nucleosides separations. This chromatography is of importance in the accurate determination of tRNA composition, especially to scientists investigating tRNA biosynthesis, function and sequence, and also for investigations on the purity of RNA and DNA isolations, and research on DNA and its modification.
Comparative analysis of the virulence control systems of Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella bronchiseptica

Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella bronchiseptica contain nearly identical BvgAS signal-transduction systems that mediate a biphasic transition between virulent (Bvg+) and avirulent (Bvg-) phases. In the Bvg+ phase, the two species express a similar set of adhesins and toxins, and in both organisms the transition to the Bvg- phase occurs in response to the same environmental signals (low temperature or the presence of nicotinic acid or sulphate anion). These two species differ, however, with regard to Bvg(-)-phase phenotypes, host specificity, the severity and course of the diseases they cause, and also potentially in their routes of transmission. To investigate the contribution of the virulence-control system to these phenotypic differences, we constructed a chimeric B. bronchiseptica strain containing bvgAS from B. pertussis and compared it with wild-type B. bronchiseptica in vitro and in vivo. The chimeric strain was indistinguishable from the wild type in its ability to express Bvg(+)- and Bvg(-)- phase-specific factors. However, although the chimeric strain responded to the same signals as the wild type, it differed dramatically in sensitivity to these signals; significantly more nicotinic acid or MgSO4 was required to modulate the chimeric strain compared with the wild-type strain. Despite this difference in signal sensitivity, the chimeric strain was indistinguishable from the wild type in its ability to cause respiratory-tract infections in rats, indicating that the bvgAS loci of B. pertussis and B. bronchiseptica are functionally interchangeable in vivo. By exchanging discrete fragments of bvgAS, we found that the periplasmic region of BvgS determines signal sensitivity.
A Gaussian adaptive resonance theory neural network classification algorithm applied to supervised land cover mapping using multitemporal vegetation index data

Neural network classifiers have been shown to provide supervised classification results that significantly improve on traditional classification algorithms such as the Bayesian (maximum likelihood [ML]) classifier. While the predominant neural network architecture has been the feedforward multilayer perceptron known as backpropagation. Adaptive resonance theory (ART) neural networks offer advantages to the classification of optical remote sensing data for vegetation and land cover mapping. A significant advantage is that it does not require prior specification of the neural net structure, creating as many internal nodes as are needed to represent the calibration (training) data. The Gaussian ARTMAP classification algorithm bases the probability that input training samples belong to specific classes on the parameters of its Gaussian distributions: the means, standard deviations, and a priori probabilities. The performance of the Gaussian ARTMAP classification algorithm in terms of classification accuracy using independent validation data indicated was over 70% accurate when applied to an annual series of monthly 1-km advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) satellite normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data. The accuracies were comparable to those of fuzzy ARTMAP and a univariate decision tree, and significantly higher than a Bayesian classification algorithm. Algorithm testing is based on calibration and validation data developed and applied to Central America to map the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) land cover classification system.
Low-Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild House Mice

Background Avian influenza viruses are known to productively infect a number of mammal species, several of which are commonly found on or near poultry and gamebird farms. While control of rodent species is often used to limit avian influenza virus transmission within and among outbreak sites, few studies have investigated the potential role of these species in outbreak dynamics.
Young’s Modulus Variation with Thickness of Thin Films

This paper describes atomistic determinations of the Young’s modulus of free standing thin films, or nanoplates. Using a combination of analytical formulation and molecular statics simulations, we show that the Young’s modulus of a nanoplate may either increase or decrease with the thickness. It is the competition of bond saturation and bond loss on surfaces that dictates the increase or decrease. Taking Cu as an example, we demonstrate that the Young’s modulus is larger than its bulk counterparts for nanoplates having some surfaces and loading directions, and smaller for others.
Internal breakdown in mango fruit: symptomology and histology of jelly seed, soft nose and stem-end cavity

Abstract Fruit of many mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars are susceptible to an internal disorder often referred to as either jelly seed, soft nose, or stem-end cavity (SEC), depending on the symptoms that appear when fruit are cut open. It has not been determined if jelly seed, soft nose, and SEC are different disorders or different symptoms of the same disorder. Sections of fruit mesocarp from the cultivars Irwin, Tommy Atkins, and Van Dyke were examined by light microscopy to characterize the disorder and discern histological differences or similarities among fruit with each of the three types of symptoms. Jelly seed and SEC affected fruit during early fruit ontogeny, whereas soft nose symptoms were detected only in fully developed fruit. No major microscopic differences were detected among fruit with jelly seed, soft nose or SEC. In fruit with each type of symptom, disorganization of the cells and rupture of the cell walls were the first microscopic indicators of the disorder, followed by deterioration or dissolution of vascular connections between the stone and the mesocarp. Stem-end cavity resulted in necrosis of the mesocarp around the cavity. No cavity or tissue necrosis developed around the stone in fruit affected with jelly seed or soft nose. The presence of Ca oxalate crystals was observed only in fruit with SEC. Based on temporal and spatial differences in symptom development within the fruit, it appears that soft nose, jelly seed and SEC may be classified as separate disorders.
Complications of general anesthesia for Nd:YAG laser resection of endobronchial tumors

We studied the incidence and mechanisms of cardiovascular complications and postoperative respiratory insufficiency associated with GA and Nd:YAG laser endobronchial tumor resection. The records of 73 patients undergoing 87 procedures were reviewed. Preoperative status, anesthetic methods and perioperative complications were analyzed by multiple regression to determine predictors of outcome. Twenty-three percent of patients had greater than 90 percent mainstem bronchus obstruction. Longer serum elimination half-life of relaxant drug was significantly correlated with longer duration of mechanical ventilation after neuromuscular blockade reversal. Cardiovascular complications were noted in 24 procedures and often required therapeutic intervention. Variables predicting cardiovascular complications included longer duration of CA and increasing age. Perioperative respiratory and cardiovascular complications are common after CA for Nd:YAG laser resection. Short-acting neuromuscular relaxants, careful assessment prior to postoperative extubation, limiting duration of CA and cardiovascular monitoring are recommended when implementing CA for Nd:YAG laser resection of endobronchial tumors. (Chest 1991; 99:72–76)
Magnetic Resonance Driven Electrical Impedance Tomography: A Simulation Study

Magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT) is a method for reconstructing a three-dimensional image of the conductivity distribution in a target volume using magnetic resonance (MR). In MREIT, currents are applied to the volume through surface electrodes and their effects on the MR induced magnetic fields are analyzed to produce the conductance image. However, current injection through surface electrodes poses technical problems such as the limitation on the safely applicable currents. In this paper, we present a new method called magnetic resonance driven electrical impedance tomography (MRDEIT), where the magnetic resonance in each voxel is used as the applied magnetic field source, and the resultant electromagnetic field is measured through surface electrodes or radio-frequency (RF) detectors placed near the surface. Because the applied magnetic field is at the RF frequency and eddy currents are the integral components in the method, a vector wave equation for the electric field is used as the basis of the analysis instead of a quasi-static approximation. Using computer simulations, it is shown that complex permittivity images can be reconstructed using MRDEIT, but that improvements in signal detection are necessary for detecting moderate complex permittivity changes.