cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered bladder function in elastin-deficient mice at baseline and in response to partial bladder outlet obstruction.

Study Type – Aetiology (case control) Level of Evidence 3b What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? As one of the major components of the extracellular matrix, elastic fibres are believed to enhance tissue compliance. However, the role of elastic fibres in normal bladder function and dysfunction remains speculative. Although transgenic mice overexpressing elastin showed increased bladder compliance, the findings in patients with non-compliant bladders are inconsistent. Using transgenic elastin-deficient mouse models, this study provides the first direct evidence that sufficient elastin content is critical for healthy bladder function, and elastin is involved in the detrusor response to partial bladder outlet obstruction. OBJECTIVE • To examine functional and molecular changes of the bladders from elastin-haploinsufficient mice (Eln+/−) at baseline as well as in response to partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO). MATERIALS AND METHODS • Female Eln+/− and wild type (Wt) mice (3–4 months old) were studied. • The bladder elastin content was quantified by measuring desmosine. • Mice were divided into two groups to undergo surgery to create pBOO or to undergo sham surgery. Three days after surgery, bladder function was evaluated by in vivo cystometry, and the contractile response of bladder strips exposed to electrical field stimulation (EFS) and carbachol was examined by ex vivo myography. RESULTS • The Eln+/−-sham mice had a 33.6% decrease in bladder elastin compared with Wt-sham mice. • Cystometry showed significantly decreased bladder compliance and capacity in Eln+/−-sham vs Wt-sham mice; pBOO increased bladder compliance and capacity to a greater extent in Eln+/− mice compared with Wt mice. • Bladder strips from Eln+/−-sham mice showed a significantly heightened contractile response to both EFS and carbachol compared with Wt-sham mice. • A significantly increased contractile response to carbachol was detected in Wt-pBOO vs Wt-sham but not between Eln+/−-pBOO and Eln+/−-sham mice. CONCLUSION • The results that elastin-deficient mice had decreased bladder compliance and capacity and increased bladder contractility; and that Wt-pBOO mice showed an enhanced contractile response to carbachol, but Eln+/−-pBOO mice did not, suggest that elastin is critical for normal bladder function and is involved in bladder response to pBOO.
Modifying the Libyan fiscal regime to optimise its oil reserves and attract more foreign capital part 2: application to CO2-EOR project in Libya

This paper extends the analysis of our proposed modification to the first model of Libyan Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (LEPSA I) to field applications. Four decision-making models are coded in a spreadsheet program to estimate profitability indicators for two development scenarios. These scenarios are primary and secondary recovery methods with water injection and enhanced oil recovery by injecting carbon dioxide. The paper concludes that the economic profit for the foreign investor (second party) under LEPSA I was improved compared with EPSA IV. Also, Libya increased its oil reserves with a reasonable decrease of its production share. Moreover, the results showed that the profit indicators under the current production shares (cost recovery) of the fourth model of Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA IV) were not favourable to the second party. Because of that, the second party would not be motivated to make a decision to invest any money for an oil development projects in Libya. Finally, the paper investigates how EPSA IV should be redesigned to maximise the Libyan National Oil Corporation (first party) oil reserves and give more attention to the economic objectives of the second party.
The economics of research and development: Comment☆

Abstract Technological innovation is a very important force in modern economies, and economic analysis of research and development (R&D) provides a valuable guide for public and private decisions on allocating resources to R&D efforts that support such innovation. This paper contributes to the analysis by correcting errors regarding the timing of R&D investment and uncertainty in the outcome as treated in an earlier paper by Fishelson. The present paper also suggests directions for areas in the economics of R&D needing further research.
The long-term course of non-A, non-B post-transfusion hepatitis.

Abstract Patients with non-A, non-B post-transfusion hepatitis were followed from the onset of their disease until their blood tests normalized, until they died, or until the present time. Of 66 patients, 30 had a spontaneous resolution of their biochemical disease. Ten patients died or were begun on immunosuppressive therapy with transaminases still abnormal. The remaining 26 patients had abnormal transaminase levels when last seen. By actuarial analysis, only 54% of hepatitis patients are predicted to develop a spontaneous biochemical remission within 3 yr. No further resolutions have occurred after that time. Icteric and anicteric acute disease may be equally likely to progress to chronic disease. Initial and follow-up liver biopsy specimens have revealed both chronic persistent and chronic active hepatitis. Two patients showed histologic evidence of cirrhosis, and a third developed a hepatic coagulopathy and splenomegaly. No other patient to date, however, has developed overt evidence of hepatocellular failure or portal hypertension. Thus, non-A, non-B posttransfusion hepatitis frequently results in biochemical evidence of chronic liver disease, and in a few patients cirrhosis may develop slowly and in a clinically inapparent fashion.
Analysis of mitotic phosphorylation of Borealin

The main role of the chromosomal passenger complex is to ensure that Aurora B kinase is properly localized and activated before and during mitosis. Borealin, a member of the chromosomal passenger complex, shows increased expression during G2/M phases and is involved in targeting the complex to the centromere and the spindle midzone, where it ensures proper chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. Borealin has a consensus CDK1 phosphorylation site, threonine 106 and can be phosphorylated by Aurora B Kinase at serine 165 in vitro. Here, we show that Borealin is phosphorylated during mitosis in human cells. Dephosphorylation of Borealin occurs as cells exit mitosis. The phosphorylated form of Borealin is found in an INCENP-containing complex in mitosis. INCENP-containing complexes from cells in S phase are enriched in the phosphorylated form suggesting that phosphorylation may encourage entry of Borealin into the chromosomal passenger complex. Although Aurora B Kinase is found in complexes that contain Borealin, it is not required for the mitotic phosphorylation of Borealin. Mutation of T106 or S165 of Borealin to alanine does not alter the electrophoretic mobility shift of Borealin. Experiments with cyclohexamide and the phosphatase inhibitor sodium fluoride suggest that Borealin is phosphorylated by a protein kinase that can be active in interphase and mitosis and that the phosphorylation may be regulated by a short-lived phosphatase that is active in interphase but not mitosis. Borealin is phosphorylated during mitosis. Neither residue S165, T106 nor phosphorylation of Borealin by Aurora B Kinase is required to generate the mitotic, shifted form of Borealin. Suppression of phosphorylation during interphase is ensured by a labile protein, possibly a cell cycle regulated phosphatase.
Building a New Foundation

Abstract Stepfami lies may soon outnumber first-marriage families in the United States. The new family is characterized by losses, transitions, overwhelming change, and lack of acceptance. How can therapists better serve these families? Strategies developed specifically for this population need to be employed rather than applying those that one might use for a nuclear family. Conceptualization is based on the understanding that this family grouping is not problematic, but different from the stereotypical two-parent nuclear family. Therefore, treatment objectives are based on addressing problems emanating from the basic stepfamily characteristics as attainable goals are established.
Interaction of Preservatives with Macromolecules I.: Binding of Parahydroxybenzoic Acid Esters by Polyoxyethylene 20 Sorbitan Monooleate (Tween 80)*

A quantitative evaluation of the degree of intermolecular association between p -hydroxybenzoic acid esters and Tween® 1 80 was obtained by means of an equilibrium dialysis study employing a semipermeable nylon membrane. Data obtained facilitate calculation of the quantity of preservative which must be added to an aqueous system containing a known concentration of Tween® 80 in order to have the desired concentration of unbound preservative.
Exposure of endothelial cells to recombinant human erythropoietin induces nitric oxide synthase activity.

Exposure of endothelial cells to recombinant human erythropoietin induces nitric oxide synthase activity. Background Anemic patients with chronic renal failure receiving recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) therapy frequently develop hypertension through an unknown mechanism. We hypothesize that EPO receptors (EPORs) on endothelial cells (ECs) in various sites of vasculature may mediate the activities of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and/or the release of endothelin-1 (ET-1), contributing to blood pressure changes. We tested this hypothesis using primary cultures of ECs obtained from human coronary artery (HCAEC), pulmonary artery (HPAEC), dermis (HDEC), and umbilical vein (HUVEC). Methods EPORs were measured by 125 I-EPO binding. The effect of EPO on EPOR, ET-1, and NOS mRNA levels was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Cellular NOS activity and ET-1 release into the medium was measured by the NOS detect assay and by radioimmunoassay kits. Results Short-term (4 h) treatment with EPO (4 U/mL) did not change the number or affinity of EPOR per cell. Neither were there any changes in the amount of EPOR, ET-1, and NOS transcripts (cDNA/μg of mRNA) nor in ET-1 release and NOS activity. In HUVEC only, 24-hour exposure to EPO caused a threefold increase in NOS transcript. In other cells, EPO treatment for six days increased NOS activity by twofold to fourfold. Conclusions We show that upon extended exposure, EPO induces NOS activity but does not affect ET-1 release. These findings indicate that the hypertensive effect of EPO is not likely to be caused by a direct effect on ECs.
Carbon-13 Spin-lattice relaxation studies of intramolecular motion in lysine and a series of oligolysines☆

13C Spin-lattice relaxation times T1 for individual carbon nuclei have been measured in a series of oligo-l-lysines, as well as lysine and glycine monomers. Anomalous behavior of profiles of T1 versus pD occurs for lysine and glycine; the T1 values of the Cα and CO groups are maximal at pH values corresponding to zwitterionic structures. This is interpreted in terms of the hindered intramolecular rotation around the carbonyl-Cα bond at acidic and basic pD values. Lysine monomer manifests a much less pronounced increase in T1 values from the α- to the ϵ-carbon than does lysine in an oligomer or polymer. The rate of reorientation of the Cα and Cβ carbons of N-terminal groups are faster than those of the central and C-terminal residues, especially at pD greater than 10 for tri-l-lysine hydrochloride and penta-l-lysine acetate. This is interpreted in terms of interaction between the ϵ-amino groups and the negatively charged carboxyl groups at pD < 10. Segmental motion is shown to make a significant contribution to relaxation of side-chain carbons, making them less sensitive to molecular size than the carbonyl carbons.
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL STABILITY OF SOYBEAN OIL-FILLED MILK

SUMMARY Filled milks were formulated from fresh skimmilk, vegetable oils and emulsifiers. The filled milks were pasteurized at 170°F for 8 see, homogenized at 500/2,500 psi and cooled to 36°F. Studies on lipid oxidation and flavor score were made during storage at 40°F for 7 days. Soybean oil-filled milk, prepared from lightly hydrogenated soybean oil, was quite acceptable when evaluated organoleptically at 24-hr intervals of approximately 1 wk. Thiobarbituric acid and peroxide values revealed that very slight oxidation had occurred during storage for approximately 1 wk at 40°F. Monoglyceride emulsifiers with varying degrees of saturation were used to stabilize the emulsion of soybean oil in skimmilk. The more unsaturated monoglycerides tended to impart bitter flavors to the milk when used at a concentration of 0.1% (based on weight of product) and also were less efficient emulsifiers when compared to saturated monoglycerides. Development of a very undesirable sulfide-like odor and flavor occurred under extremely high pasteurization temperatures. The degree of off-flavor produced was directly proportional to time and temperature of heating.
Deiodination of thyroid hormones. A 30 year perspective (Berthold Memorial Award Lecture 1994).

It is truly a great honor to be the 1994 recipient of the Berthold Memorial Award from the German Endocrine Society which met in Wurzburg, March 2-5. I am especially indebted to Drs. Kohrle and Wuttke for their kindness in making our visit to Wurzburg so enjoyable and educational. Professor Berthold was the first to demonstrate the effects of a hormone on phenotypic expression when he transplanted testes to a castrated rooster, restoring its masculine appearance and behavior (Figure 1) (Berthold, 1849). Since 1960, when I joined the laboratory of the late Dr. Sidney H. Ingbar at the Thorndike Memorial Laboratory at the Boston City Hospital and Harvard Medical School, one of our major interest has been the peripheral metabolism of the thyroid hormones (Figure 2), especially the deiodination pathway (Figure 3). This review will be primarily based on our studies, although many other laboratories have made extremely important observations on thyroid hormone metabolism at the clinical, physiological, and molecular biological levels. I am indebted to many collaborators who have played major roles in many of the studies to be cited in this review. The principle colleagues are listed in Table 1. Since much of our work has been carried out simultaneously in rats, humans, and cell cultures, studies will be described under these three broad categories.
Eating disturbances and outcome of gastric bypass surgery: A pilot study

Objective We examined how the outcome of gastric bypass surgery (GBP) was effected by the interaction between presurgery eating disturbance status and length of time since surgery. Method: Subjects were recruited from a list of patients who received GBP in the last 3 years. Twenty-seven patients 20.8 ± 11.0 months postsurgery were interviewed. Results: Both current eating disturbance status and weight regain were predicted by the interaction between presurgical eating disturbance status and length of time since surgery. The significant time period in this interaction was 2 years or more postsurgery. Discussion: Patients with a presurgical eating disorder may experience a short-term improvement in their eating disorder following GBP that erodes on or after 2 years and is related to weight regain. Methods for improving surgical outcome in this population are discussed. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 21: 385–390, 1997.
Extensive field measurements support new approach to protection of arc furnace transformers against switching transients

Recent investigations of systems involving vacuum switching have forced a reappraisal of the traditional protection methods necessitating major changes in protection philosophy. The new philosophy has been developed on industrial systems supplying are furnace transformers where the exceedingly large number of switchings makes such systems particularly sensitive. This paper discusses a new transient voltage protection system which has been developed in response to these recent investigations. In support of the development of the new protection system, transient voltage measurements have been made on 14 are furnace systems at various locations within the United States and abroad. This paper also documents the instrumentation used to monitor transients on these systems and describes its application. Typical oscillographic records are presented as indications of the performance of the system with and without the new transient voltage protection system.
TLR4 signalling in the intestine in health and disease.

The colonic epithelium is lined along its apical membrane with ∼10 14 bacteria/g of tissue. Commensal bacteria outnumber mammalian cells in the gut severalfold. The reason for this degree of commensalism probably resides in the recent recognition of the microbiome as an important source of metabolic energy in the setting of poorly digestible nutrients. As in many themes in biology, the host may have sacrificed short-term benefit, i.e. nutritional advantages, for long-term consequences, such as chronic inflammation or colon cancer. In the present review, we examine the role of TLR (Toll-like receptor) signalling in the healthy host and the diseased host. We pay particular attention to the role of TLR signalling in idiopathic IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and colitis-associated carcinogenesis. In general, TLR signalling in health contributes to homoeostatic functions. These include induction of antimicrobial peptides, proliferation and wound healing in the intestine. The pathogenesis of IBD, ulcerative colitis and Crohn9s disease may be due to increased TLR or decreased TLR signalling respectively. Finally, we discuss the possible role of TLR signalling in colitis-associated neoplasia.
Note on asymptotic prime divisors and symbolic powers of primary ideals

At the close of a recent survey paper on asymptotic prime divisors [12], it was commented that there were no results in the paper concerning symbolic powers of pr imary ideals since the results and methods in these two obviously related areas do not seem to blend together. The purpose of the present paper is to show that at least some results in these two areas do blend together. This is done by proving four theorems on asymptotic prime divisors and five related theorems on symbolic powers of primary ideals. The five results on symbolic powers are rather negative in tone, since they show that if all large powers of a primary ideal a Noetherian ring A are primary, then A must be a rather nice ring to begin with. The four theorems on asymptotic prime divisors mentioned in the preceding paragraph are proved in Sect. 2, and the theorems on symbolic powers are proved in Sect. 3. To efficiently state and prove these results, a fair amount of notation is needed, so this section will be closed by summarizing this notation and giving a brief remark concerning it.
Improved repair of dermal wounds in mice lacking microRNA-155.

Wound healing is a well-regulated but complex process that involves haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and maturation. Recent reports suggest that microRNAs (miRs) play important roles in dermal wound healing. In fact, miR deregulation has been linked with impaired wound repair. miR-155 has been shown to be induced by inflammatory mediators and plays a central regulatory role in immune responses. We have investigated the potential role of miR-155 in wound healing. By creating punch wounds in the skin of mice, we found an increased expression of miR-155 in wound tissue when compared with healthy skin. Interestingly, analysis of wounds of mice lacking the expression of miR-155 (miR-155−/−) revealed an increased wound closure when compared with wild-type animals. Also, the accelerated wound closing correlated with elevated numbers of macrophages in wounded tissue. Gene expression analysis of wounds tissue and macrophages isolated from miR-155−/− mice that were treated with interleukin-4 demonstrated an increased expression of miR-155 targets (BCL6, RhoA and SHIP1) as well as, the finding in inflammatory zone-1 (FIZZ1) gene, when compared with WT mice. Moreover, the up-regulated levels of FIZZ1 in the wound tissue of miR-155−/− mice correlated with an increased deposition of type-1 collagens, a phenomenon known to be beneficial in wound closure. Our data indicate that the absence of miR-155 has beneficial effects in the wound healing process.
Selenium Nanoparticles: A Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Study

The growth process of selenium nanoparticles prepared in a microemulsion by a reverse micelle method is probed by several techniques. The smallest particles synthesized are of the order of 40 A in diameter, producing the usual blue shift in the optical spectra. An amorphous to crystalline phase transition was detected by both electron and X-ray diffraction. The micelle structure investigated by small-angle neutron scattering was found to be unaffected by the conditions of the reaction.
Exploration and practice on case-driven research-based teaching model

Facing the problems in the traditional teaching process of Operating System course, a case-driven research-based teaching model was proposed in this paper. Practice has proved that the proposed teaching model can overcome the deficiencies of the traditional OS teaching process, cultivate the innovative spirit, broaden the thinking and improve the self-learning and comprehensive practical ability of students, thus to achieve the goal of improving the education and teaching effectiveness, increase the overall quality of students.
Intermediate strain rate energy harvesting from the impact of PZT 52/48 and 95/5

The depolarization behavior of lead zirconate titanate 95/5 and 52/48 has been well characterized under uniaxial strain with strain rates on the order of 10^6/s, and under quasi-static uniaxial stress loading with strain rates on the order of 0.1–100/s. This study examines the depolarization behavior under uniaxial stress at strain rates on the order of 10 to 10^3/s. Specimens were loaded using a split Hopkinson pressure bar. Loading rates from 7.2 to 92.5 MPa/µs were investigated, with a maximum stress of around 900 MPa. The results show significant depolarization rate sensitivity in lead zirconate titanate 52/48, while lead zirconate titanate 95/5 exhibits two responses above and below the stress rate of 50–60 MPa/µs, both with little rate sensitivity.
Determination by Mass Spectrometry of the Structure of Proline Derivatives from Apples

Hulme1 and Urbach2 independently isolated a new amino-acid from apples, and the isomeric structures I2 and II1,3 were proposed for these substances on the basis of elemental analysis, colour reactions and chromatographic properties1–3. The infra-red spectra of these compounds proved to be superimposable, and this indicated that the compounds were identical, but it did not permit a decision between the alternative structures3.
Performance management in the Baltic States and Russia: success against the odds?:

This article analyses the public management reform process in Latvia, Lithuania and Russia, the only three post-Communist states that have sought to introduce comprehensive performance management systems in the public sector. The central premise of the article is that the introduction of such reforms can be successful even in public management systems that are not `advanced'. This contradicts the widely held notion that performance-based public management systems are not suitable for `developing' countries. The article concludes that if sufficient political support and a dedicated reform team in the civil service are present, and performance management systems are introduced in a step-by-step manner, significant improvement in the effectiveness and efficiency of public management systems can be achieved. The case of the two Baltic States studied in the article, which moved from being laggards in the EU accession process to among its best performing members, provides a strong argument that a more radical a...
Hydraulic Conductivity in A Piñon-Juniper Woodland: Influence of Vegetation

In semiarid environments, vegetation affects surface runoff either by altering surface characteristics (e.g., surface roughness, litter absorption) or subsurface characteristics (e.g., hydraulic conductivity). Previous observations of runoff within a pinon-juniper [Pinus edulis Englem. and Juniperus monosperma (Englem.) Sarg.] woodland led us to hypothesize that hydraulic conductivity differs between vegetation types. Using ponded and tension infiltrometers, we measured saturated (K,) and unsaturated [K(k)] hydraulic conductivity at three levels of a nested hierarchy: the patch (canopy and intercanopy), the unit (juniper canopy, pinon canopy, vegetated intercanopy, and bare intercanopy), and the intercanopy locus (grass, biological soil crust, bare spot). Differences were smaller than expected and generally not significant. Canopy and intercanopy K, values were comparable with the exception of a small number of exceedingly high readings under the juniper canopy-a difference we attribute to higher surface macro-porosity beneath juniper canopies. The unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, K(h), values were higher for canopy soils than for intercanopy soils, although differences were small. At the unit level, the only significant differences were for K(h) between juniper or pinon canopies vs. bare interspaces. Median K values for vegetated intercanopy areas were intermediate between but not significantly different from those for canopies and bare areas. There were no significant differences between grass, biological soil crust, and bare spots within the herbaceous intercanopy area. Overall, the observed differences in K between canopy and intercanopy patches do not account for differences in runoff observed previously.
Tournament Validity: Testing Golfer Competence

The concept of tournament validity was explored in three studies. In the first study, measures of tournament validity, difficulty, and discrimination were introduced. These measures were illustrated with data from the 2003 Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour. In the second study, the relationship between difficulty and discrimination was tested by analyzing United States Golf Association slope and course rating data. In the third study, the validity of an entire season of PGA tournaments was examined. Tournaments did differ in validity, and some tournaments were not valid at all. Difficult, high-scoring tournaments were somewhat more valid and led to greater discrimination than low-scoring tournaments. Implications of golf tournament validity are discussed as are implications for measuring the validity of other types of competitions.
The Borexino detector: Methodology for a large-scale low background liquid scintillator

Abstract Borexino, a real-time device for low energy neutrino spectroscopy, has completed the construction phase in the middle of 2006, in the underground laboratories at Gran Sasso, Italy (LNGS). The detector has been filled with about 300 tons of highly purified scintillator surrounded by an internal buffer of 1000 tons of a purified organic solvent buffer, 2400 tons of ultra-pure water as an external shield and located underground with the equivalent shielding of 3500 m of water. Since May 16, 2007, Borexino is under data acquisition. The experimental goal is the direct measurement of the flux of 7 Be solar neutrinos of all flavours via neutrino-electron scattering in an ultra-pure scintillation liquid. The paper describes the design of the Borexino detector, the construction phases and the various facilities that play an essential role in its operation. This paper describes the design requirements and methods for reducing background impurities for the Borexino detector.
Replisome-mediated Translesion Synthesis and Leading Strand Template Lesion Skipping Are Competing Bypass Mechanisms

A number of different enzymatic pathways have evolved to ensure that DNA replication can proceed past template base damage. These pathways include lesion skipping by the replisome, replication fork regression followed by either correction of the damage and origin-independent replication restart or homologous recombination-mediated restart of replication downstream of the lesion, and bypass of the damage by a translesion synthesis DNA polymerase. We report here that of two translesion synthesis polymerases tested, only DNA polymerase IV, not DNA polymerase II, could engage productively with the Escherichia coli replisome to bypass leading strand template damage, despite the fact that both enzymes are shown to be interacting with the replicase. Inactivation of the 3' → 5' proofreading exonuclease of DNA polymerase II did not enable bypass. Bypass by DNA polymerase IV required its ability to interact with the β clamp and act as a translesion polymerase but did not require its "little finger" domain, a secondary region of interaction with the β clamp. Bypass by DNA polymerase IV came at the expense of the inherent leading strand lesion skipping activity of the replisome, indicating that they are competing reactions.
Early alterations of autophagy in Huntington disease-like mice

In a recent study, we reported in vivo evidence of early and sustained alterations of autophagy markers in a novel knock-in mouse model of Huntington disease (HD). The novel model is derived from selective breeding of HdhQ150 knock-in mice to generate mice with ∼200 CAG/polyglutamine repeats (HdhQ200). HdhQ200 knock-in mice exhibit an accelerated and more robust motor phenotype than the parent line with detectable abnormalities at 50 weeks and substantial impairments at 80 weeks. Heterozygous HdhQ200 knock-in mice accumulate htt aggregates as cytoplasmic aggregation foci (AF) as early as 9 weeks of age followed by striatal neuronal intranuclear inclusions (NIIs) by 20 weeks. By 40 weeks, striatal AF are perinuclear and immunoreactive for ubiquitin and the autophagosome marker LC3. Increased LC3-II protein expression is noted at 9 weeks and sustained throughout the disease course, and is paralleled by increased expression of p62. Early and sustained expression of autophagy-related proteins in this genetically precise mouse model of HD suggests that alteration of autophagic flux is an important and early component of neuronal response to polyglutamine expanded huntingtin.
Study of the effects of focal plane array design parameters on ATR performance

Focal plane array (FPA) families for a new generation of Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) systems are currently being developed under the direction of the U.S. Army. The new FPA will have an impact on the performance of Automatic Target Recognizers (ATRs) which perform target detection and identification. Described in this paper are the results of an experiment designed to study the effects of various infrared FPA parameters on the image quality of a FLIR. The research was conducted using a computer simulation of a FLIR imaging sensor without the use of specific ATR algorithms. The study determined the amount of image degradation and information loss caused by specific FPA parameters. Among the parameters studied were detector size, detector geometry, noise, detector response nonuniformity, and array sampling effects, most of which were investigated at three different ranges.
Penetration of the oocyte envelope by spermatozoa in the spider crab.

The oocyte of the spider crab Libinia emarginata possesses a two-layered envelope. This forms in the ovary between the oocyte and its surrounding follicle cells. Eggs collected at oviposition as they leave the body of the females have several sperms penetrating this envelope. Penetration apparently is the result of lysis by acrosomal materials. The sperm reaction consists of two parts. Following fertilization, two layers of material accumulate between the envelope and embryo.
Migration of the plastid genome to the nucleus in a peridinin dinoflagellate.

Dinoflagellate algae are important primary producers and of significant ecological and economic impact because of their ability to form "red tides" [1]. They are also models for evolutionary research because of an unparalleled ability to capture photosynthetic organelles (plastids) through endosymbiosis [2]. The nature and extent of the plastid genome in the dominant perdinin-containing dinoflagellates remain, however, two of the most intriguing issues in plastid evolution. The plastid genome in these taxa is reduced to single-gene minicircles [3, 4] encoding an incomplete (until now 15) set of plastid proteins. The location of the remaining photosynthetic genes is unknown. We generated a data set of 6,480 unique expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense (for details, see the Experimental Procedures in the Supplemental Data) to find the missing plastid genes and to understand the impact of endosymbiosis on genome evolution. Here we identify 48 of the non-minicircle-encoded photosynthetic genes in the nuclear genome of A. tamarense, accounting for the majority of the photosystem. Fifteen genes that are always found on the plastid genome of other algae and plants have been transferred to the nucleus in A. tamarense. The plastid-targeted genes have red and green algal origins. These results highlight the unique position of dinoflagellates as the champions of plastid gene transfer to the nucleus among photosynthetic eukaryotes.
Research in cystic fibrosis (second of three parts).

(First of Three Parts) CYSTIC fibrosis is the most common lethal or semi-lethal genetic disease of peoples of Caucasian descent and is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. It affects primarily the exocrine glands, but although mucus-secreting ones are involved pathologically, the serous glands (e.g., eccrine sweat and parotid glands) have no histologic changes, even though their secretions may be abnormal chemically. Clinically, cystic fibrosis is characterized by the triad of chronic pulmonary disease, pancreatic insufficiency and elevated sweat electrolytes. Many other clinical manifestations may be present and complicate the clinical picture. The homozygotes have all, or substantially all, manifestations . . .
Effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate on the sleep induced peak of growth hormone secretion.

ABSTRACT Medroxyprogesterone acetate administration (10 mg/day for four days) was followed by partial suppression of the sleep-induced peak of HGH secretion in 5 normal subjects.
Large airway constriction in allergic rhinitis.

Abstract Extensive pulmonary function tests, including most of the sensitive new techniques capable of detecting small airways obstruction, were performed in 16 asymptomatic patients with allergic rhinitis and 31 normal control subjects. Mean flow rates, lung volumes, and results of tests measuring airways closure, distribution of ventilation, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide/alveolar volume did not differ significantly between the groups. Airways resistance (R AW ) was significantly higher and specific conductance (SG AW ) was significantly lower in subjects with rhinitis. Following administration of nebulized isoproterenol, R AW decreased (p AW increased (p AW and SG AW which were both abnormal in 3 subjects with rhinitis. The results of this investigation indicate that asymptomatic subjects with allergic rhinitis have large airway (trachea and/or major bronchi) narrowing due to bronchoconstriction and no evidence of diffuse, or small airways, obstruction.
A brittle to ductile transition in NiAl of a critical grain size

Tensile tests have been carried out on the strongly ordered B2 aluminide NiAl at 400 C to investigate the effect of the grain size on the ductility of the material. It is found that the ductility is very low and essentially independent of the grain size for aggregates of grains larger than about 20 microns; for finer-grained aggregates, the ductility increases sharply with decreasing grain size. Thus, NiAl exhibits a critical grain size below which polycrystalline aggregates are ductile in tension. For all grain sizes, fracture occurs in a brittle manner through a combination of intergranular decohesion and transgranular cleavage.
Configurational and Conformational Mobility in a Cross-Conjugated Derivative of 1,3-Diketo-2-iminopropane

Mobility of configuration and conformation in the “push−pull” cross-conjugated derivative 1,3-diphenyl-2-(p-dimethylaminophenyl)iminopropane-1,3-dione has been investigated by NMR. The energetics o...
Improved crosslinking systems for high quality fiber/fabric performance

Crosslinking is a possible route for modifying fiber, fabric and polymer properties. Most of the crosslinking agents contain formaldehyde whose emissions into the air from textile materials have been limited to 0.1 mg/m3. Formaldehyde has irritant effect on the respiratory tract and mucosa in concentrations above 0.5 mg/m3 air and gives allergenic and sensitizing effect. Thus, several countries limit the formaldehyde content of textiles by law. The most widely used reactant resin in the textile industry is the DMDHEU (dimethyloldihroxyethyleneurea) which is based on reaction of glyoxal, urea and formaldehyde with cellulose by forming ether linkages under the influence of acid catalyst. Our research highlights an improved crosslinking system involving the use of considerably reduced formaldehyde, resulting in environmentally friendly processing flexibility, improved tenacity and toughness. This system is expected to provide crosslinks that can slide along the polymer backbone and cause the fiber to elongate under an applied load. The combination of enhanced tenacity and extensibility contributed to improved toughness, or work-to-failure properties.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Experimental Characterization of Limit Cycle Oscillations in Membrane Wing Micro Air Vehicles

The idea of using small-scale vehicles, often termed micro air vehicles, for various surveillance applications has become increasingly popular in recent years. A micro air vehicle design of particular interest is the membrane wing micro air vehicles, in which the structural skeleton is covered with a thin membrane instead of conventional wing skin materials, developed in particular for its lightweight nature, static stability, and passive gust rejection. In the current work, membrane wing micro air vehicles are developed and tested experimentally in order to determine the structural response of batten-reinforced membrane wing micro air vehicles to varying conditions: small angles of attack, number of battens, and membrane pretension. A self-excited instability (flutter) was noted for each model with limit cycle oscillations occurring at postflutter flow velocities. Small angles of attack had little effect on the flutter velocity, frequency, and mode for a given configuration, while increasing the membrane pretension delayed flutter and reduced the magnitude of limit cycle oscillation experienced by the model at a given flow velocity. Increasing the number of structural battens for the membrane wing micro air vehicle models also delayed the flutter velocity and reduced the magnitude of limit cycle oscillation at a given flow velocity while altering the flutter mode.
Diffusion-induced chaos in a spatial predator–prey system

A continuous predator-prey model in which both species diffuse along a spatial gradient is shown to exhibit temporal chaos at a fixed point in space. The model incorporates a nonlinear functional response of the predator and a logistic growth of the prey; the intrinsic growth rate of the prey varies linearly with space. Numerical results demonstrate that low diffusion values drive an otherwise periodic system into aperiodic behaviour with sensitivity to initial conditions. Evidence is provided for a quasiperiodic route to chaos as the diffusion rate decreases. These results suggest that complex temporal dynamics in natural communities may arise through the spatial dimension. Spatially induced chaos may have an important role in spatial pattern generation in heterogeneous environments.
Decadal phase change in large-scale sea level and winds in the Indo-Pacific region at the end of the 20th century

[1] Satellite observations of sea surface height (SSH) and wind stress for the period of 1993–2006 reveal a near-coherent large-scale decadal variability in much of the Indo-Pacific region with a phase change at the turn of the 20th century. Trade wind variations in the tropical Pacific and South Indian Ocean are anti-correlated with each other as are SSH differences across these two basins, implying anti-correlated variation of the subtropical cells in the two oceans. Decadal changes in large-scale SSH in the extra-tropics are mostly associated with well-defined patterns of wind stress curl indicating a near-coherent decadal variation in the strength of subtropical and subpolar gyres. Together, these variations reflect a linkage in the circulation of the Pacific and Indian Oceans via atmospheric and oceanic bridges. The phase change in the tropical Pacific tends to occur earlier than elsewhere, suggesting a potential role of the tropical Pacific in regulating decadal variability of the entire region.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of a modified insulin incorporating the COOH-terminal hexapeptide (“D-region”) of insulin-like growth factor II

A modified insulin, in which the A chain moiety has been extended at the C-terminus with the “D region” of the insulin-like growth factor II, has been synthesized essentially by the procedures employed in this laboratory for the synthesis of insulin and analogues. This hybrid molecule displayed reduced insulin-like activities, 34.5% receptor binding, and 40.4% stimulation of lipogenesis relative to natural insulin. These findings suggest that the extension sequence (“D region”) attached at the C-terminus of the A chain may partially cover the putative receptor binding region of insulin, in support of speculations based on computer-generated models. These same models indicate that the extension peptide may interfere with one of the two regions implicated in insulin antibody recognition. In this regard, radioimmunoassay of the hybrid revealed potency even more reduced than biological activity: 18% relative to insulin. Growth factor assays of the hybrid (this laboratory, unpublished data) suggest that the “D region” of insulin-like growth factor II is not in itself the determinant of growth-promoting activity.
Comparison of modalities to diagnose coronary artery disease

The purpose of this review is to compare several modalities available for detection of coronary artery disease (CAD). We compare the clinical history, rest/exercise electrocardiogram (ECG), rest/stress left ventricular (LV) function by radionuclide or echocardiographic methods, myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET), contrast coronary angiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), spectroscopy (MRS) and angiography (MRA), and ultrafast cine computed tomography (UFCT) to assess LV function, myocardial perfusion, and coronary calcification. We compare the modalities by answering six questions: (1) Does the modality provide unique clinical information? (2) What is the observer error? (3) What are sensitivities and specificities to detect CAD? (4) What patient selection criteria should be applied for each modality? (5) What incremental benefit is obtained from one modality versus another modality? and (6) Where do the modalities fit in the overall scheme of diagnostic testing for CAD? PET MPI appears to be the best noninvasive test for CAD, followed by SPECT thallium-201 and then dobutamine echocardiography. MRA and UFCT may soon play a larger role because they visualize the arteries. Contrast coronary angiography remains the gold standard despite its limitations. Exercise ECG is the least accurate test. The choice of tests critically depends on patient selection—based on clinical history, age, gender, and risk factors to estimate the pretest, clinical probability of CAD.
The inhibitory effects of endogenous NADPH-pyrophosphatase on the reduction of cytochrome c and the oxidation of drugs by liver microsomes

Abstract NADPH-pyrophosphatase in rat liver converts NADPH to products which inhibit NADPH cytochrome c reductase. This reaction obscures studies on the K m (NADPH) for drug oxidation by liver microsomes from this species. Studies with mouse liver microsomes, which contain relatively little NADPH-pyrophosphatase, revealed that the K m (NADPH) for drug oxidation is less than 1 μ m ; which is at least an order of magnitude lower than that reported for aminopyrine metabolism by rat liver microsomes.
Identifying aggressive forms of endometrioid-type endometrial cancer: new insights into molecular subtyping

Clinical heterogeneity represents a great challenge for cancer therapeutics. Molecular classification of patients into different subtypes based on genetic or epigenetic characteristics has the potential to revolutionize the clinical care and mechanistic understanding of a wide spectrum of cancers, including endometrial carcinoma, the most common gynecological cancer affecting women.
A Style of Horror: Is Evil Real in Cormac McCarthy's Outer Dark?

This article challenges a critical tradition that recuperates the horror of Cormac McCarthy's 1968 Outer Dark using the novel's literary art. In contrast, I argue that the text works as horror through its remarkable style. The novel's form and resultant dispersal of intention unsettle the use of immanent grounds to decide what things mean, which enables judgment of evil. Instead of nihilism, though, Outer Dark shows the insufficiency of epistemological frameworks through a narrative that naturalizes the material real and a metanarrative or self-reflexive questioning of what is real.
A 10Gb/s NRZ receiver with feedforward equalizer and glitch-free phase-frequency detector

A 10Gb/s NRZ receiver with feedforward equalizer and CDR is described. The CDR incorporates an LC oscillator with a range of 8.3 to 11.1 GHz and a new glitch-free binary PFD. The glitch-free architecture minimizes the jitter generation of the CDR and increases jitter tolerance. The CDR loop employs a V/I converter with two independent charge-pumps for FD and PD signals to achieve fast acquisition and low jitter generation simultaneously.
Ex vivo targeting of p21Cip1/Waf1 permits relative expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells

Relative quiescence is a defining characteristic of hematopoietic stem cells. Reasoning that inhibitory tone dominates control of stem cell cycling, we previously showed that mice engineered to be deficient in the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21Cip1/Waf1 (p21), have an increased stem cell pool under homeostatic conditions. Since p21 was necessary to maintain stem cell quiescence and its absence sufficient to permit increased murine stem cell cycling, we tested whether reduction of p21 alone in human adult–derived stem cells could affect stem cell proliferation. We demonstrate here that interrupting p21 expression ex vivo resulted in expanded stem cell number and in vivo stem cell function compared with control, manipulated cells. Further, we demonstrate full multilineage reconstitution capability in cells where p21 expression was knocked down. Therefore, lifting the brake on cell proliferation by altering cell cycle checkpoints provides an alternative paradigm for increasing hematopoietic stem cell numbers. This approach may be useful for relative ex vivo human stem cell expansion.
Identification of a novel bovine herpesvirus type 1 immediate-early infected cell protein.

A previously undescribed major immediate-early phosphoprotein complex with apparent molecular weights of 52–57 kilodaltons (kDa) was identified in cells infected with BHV-1.