cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Micro-Holograms Recorded in a Thermoplastic Medium for Three-Dimensional Data Storage

A micro-holographic approach using a dye-doped thermoplastic material as a recording medium is in development at General Electric. Preliminary characterization results indicate that micro-holograms present larger dimensions than those expected from the recording beam properties.
Metabolism of Propane, n-Propylamine, and Propionate by Hydrocarbon-Utilizing Bacteria

Studies were conducted on the oxidation and assimilation of various three-carbon compounds by a gram-positive rod isolated from soil and designated strain R-22. This organism can utilize propane, propionate, or n-propylamine as sole source of carbon and energy. Respiration rates, enzyme assays, and (14)CO(2) incorporation experiments suggest that propane is metabolized via methyl ketone formation; propionate and n-propylamine are metabolized via the methylmalonyl-succinate pathway. Isocitrate lyase activity was found in cells grown on acetate and was not present in cells grown on propionate or n-propylamine. (14)CO(2) was incorporated into pyruvate when propionate and n-propylamine were oxidized in the presence of NaAsO(2), but insignificant radioactivity was found in pyruvate produced during the oxidation of propane and acetone. The n-propylamine dissimilatory mechanism was inducible in strain R-22, and amine dehydrogenase activity was detected in cells grown on n-propylamine. Radiorespirometer and (14)CO(2) incorporation studies with several propane-utilizing organisms indicate that the methylmalonyl-succinate pathway is the predominant one for the metabolism of propionate.
Overview of Teratology

Teratology is the study of developmental processes to understand the causes and mechanisms of abnormal developmental outcomes. This unit provides an explanation of the basic principles of the field as a context for the more specialized protocol units to follow in the chapter.
Design and optimization of high Q RF passives on SOP-based organic substrates

Integration of passive devices such as inductors and capacitors in packages or on silicon is an important step towards miniaturization and reduction of cost. These passive devices are used as stand-alone components or form an integral part of filters, oscillators, amplifiers, mixers and other RF circuits. This paper discusses the design of high Q inductors and high Q capacitors in organic substrates. Inductors with maximum quality factors in the range of 60-180 were obtained at frequencies in the 1-3 GHz band for inductances in the range of 1 nH-20 nH. This is the first demonstration of such high Q inductors in organic substrates processed using low-temperature (<200/spl deg/C) processes. The dimensions of all inductors are comparable to a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC, <900/spl deg/C) and multichip module deposition (400/spl deg/C<MCM-D<500/spl deg/C) technology process and well suited for integration in a variety of applications. The paper also discusses the performance of embedded capacitors in organic substrates. Although the Q factors for the capacitors in organic technologies are comparable to ceramic technologies, they do not compare well with the performance of inductors. The results for embedded capacitors show the need for lower loss materials compared to those currently used in low-temperature organic passive technology.
Linear forms with algebraic coefficients. I

Abstract In a recent paper I generalized Roth's well-known theorem on rational approximation to an algebraic number α in two dual directions. Namely, I proved a theorem on simultaneous rational approximation to m algebraic numbers α1,…, αm, and a theorem on linear forms L(x) = α1x1 + … + αmxm + xm+1. In the present paper I shall carry the argument further and I shall prove similar results for systems of linear forms.
Randomized trial of a health communication intervention for parents of children with asthma

AbstractObjective: To determine if a health communication intervention targeting parents of high-risk, urban, minority children with asthma could (i) improve parental perceptions of connectedness to and communication with their child's primary care providers (PCP) and (ii) decrease reliance on emergency departments (EDs) and other urgent care services for their child's asthma-related care. Methods: The design was a single blind, parallel groups, randomized controlled trial. Parents were recruited from an ED-based asthma clinic serving primarily low-income, minority children in Washington, DC. The intervention involved face-to-face education on effective communication followed by a single booster call. Standardized instruments were administered to assess primary care connectedness and healthcare utilization at baseline and 2- and 6-months post-enrollment. Results: A total of 150 parents of children 1–12 years old were randomized (77 intervention and 73 usual care), and 137 (91%) were successfully followed ...
The determination of critical pigment volume concentration (CPVC) in organic coatings with fluorescence microscopy

Abstract The critical pigment volume concentration (CPVC) in pigmented organic coatings is one of the most important parameters in coating formulation (Asbeck and Van Loo [1]). It is usually determined experimentally by tracing the change of those void formation-related properties with PVC or detecting the appearance of voids in micrograph. However, these methods often underestimate the CPVC value because of the non-uniform dispersion of pigment. As discussed by Fishman et al. (1992, 1993 [2,3]), locally poor dispersion can cause local volumes in a coating film to have a local pigment volume concentration (PVC – local volume fraction) that exceeds the CPVC, even if the global or bulk value is not yet exceeded. PVCs at or above the global CPVC develop many voids, and so a possible measure of the CPVC is a rapid increase in local voids. In this work, we report a novel method for experimental determination of CPVC. In this method, fluorescent dye is used to mark the voids in coating layer and the fraction of fluorescent area is obtained from fluorescence image. The area fraction, which is a measure of voids volume fraction, is then plotted with PVC to obtain CPVC value. This method eliminates the influence of non-uniform dispersion of pigment. To illustrate the utility of this method, the CPVC values of various Mg-rich primers were determined with this method. The results showed that a reliable and accurate CPVC value can be obtained by this technique.
Mec1p associates with functionally compromised telomeres

In many organisms, telomere DNA consists of simple sequence repeat tracts that are required to protect the chromosome end. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, tract maintenance requires two checkpoint kinases of the ATM family, Tel1p and Mec1p. Previous work has shown that Tel1p is recruited to functional telomeres with shorter repeat tracts to promote telomerase-mediated repeat addition, but the role of Mec1p is unknown. We found that Mec1p telomere association was detected as cells senesced when telomere function was compromised by extreme shortening due to either the loss of telomerase or the double-strand break binding protein Ku. Exonuclease I effects the removal of the 5' telomeric strand, and eliminating it prevented both senescence and Mec1p telomere association. Thus, in contrast to Tel1p, Mec1p associates with short, functionally compromised telomeres.
Traveling-wave atom cavity interaction in the single-atom microlaser.

We demonstrated traveling-wave atom–cavity interaction in the single-atom microlaser by tilting the atomic beam from its usual orientation of normal incidence with respect to the cavity mode. Laser-tuning curves, measured for various excitation pulse areas, are in good agreement with one-atom microlaser–maser theory.
Transport property correlations for the niobium-1% zirconium alloy

Abstract Correlations were developed for the electrical resistivity (ρ), thermal conductivity (k), and hemispherical total emittance (ϵ) of niobium-1% zirconium as functions of temperature. All three correlations were developed as empirical fits to experimental data. ρ = 5.571 + 4.160 × 10 −2 (T) − 4.192 × 10 −6 (T) 2 μΩcm , k = 13.16(T)0.2149W/mK, ϵ = 6.39 × 10−2 + 4.98 × 10−5(T) + 3.62 × 10−8(T)2 − 7.28 × 10−12(T)3. The relative standard deviation of the electrical resistivity correlation is 1.72% and it is valid over the temperature range 273 to 2700 K. The thermal conductivity correlation has a relative standard deviation of 3.24% and is valid over the temperature range 379 to 1421 K. The hemispherical total emittance correlation was developed for smooth surface materials only and represents a conservative estimate of the emittance of the alloy for space reactor fuel element modeling applications. It has a relative standard deviation of 9.50% and is valid over the temperature range 755 to 2670 K.
The development of adrenergic uptake mechanism in rabbit blood vessels

Abstract Although the development and maturation of adrenergic mechanisms in the myocardium has been described in several species (1, 2, 3), the time course of the development of the sympathetic innervation of the vascular tree is unknown. There is experimental evidence for the early maturation of autonomic control of the circulation (4); indeed it is reasonable to expect the rapid development of sympathetic neurogenic vascular tone during the late fetal and immediate postnatal period, to enable the young to maintain a separate existence and adapt to its environment. In the present study, the time course of sympathetic innervation of rabbit blood vessels was followed by measuring the ability of these tissues to take up and concentrate tritiated norepinephrine ( 3 HNE) in the presence and absence of phenoxybenzamine (PBZ). Uptake of norepinephrine into sympathetic nerve terminals and into vascular muscle is prevented by PBZ (5, 6). Since the latter component is quantitatively small, in the adult 1 gm. of tissue will take up the 3 HNE present in less than 0.5 ml. of the surrounding fluid, the PBZ-sensitive component in the adult rabbit can be equated with uptake by sympathetic nervous tissue. The PBZ-insensitive component of 3 HNE uptake presumably represents NE bound to components of the vascular wall at sites other than those specifically involved with the intracellular accumulation of NE together with that in the extracellular space. Our experiments show that the vessels studied acquire the ability to concentrate NE, by a specific mechanism, very rapidly between the 5th–7th day of postnatal life. The precise time course varies in different vessels. The magnitude of the non-specific binding is independent of age.
How computer science serves the developing world

Information and communication technology for development can greatly improve quality of life for the world's neediest people.
Aggressiveness and Frequency-of-Aggressive-Use Ratings for Pejorative Epithets by Americans

Summary A sample of 316 pejorative epithets from American English is presented as the basis of a procedure for the quantitative manipulation of verbal aggression. Such a procedure is needed, since the intuitively based procedures currently in use are often of questionable validity and preclude comparisons across different experiments. Epithets were rated for aggressiveness and frequency-of-aggressive-use by 96 American college men and women. Reliability of both ratings is high, thereby permitting these data to be used in choosing epithets in setting both the level of aggressive attack and the conventionality of the attack. The interrelationships of measures are discussed as they bear on the choice of epithets and as they suggest hypotheses about the nature and usage of epithets in aggression.
Arterial bypass grafts for upper extremity ischemia

Occlusive vascular disease resulting in severe upper extremity ischemia is encountered infrequently by vascular surgeons. Arterial reconstructions undertaken to relieve such ischemia represents approximately 2% of all vascular surgical procedures. Arterial diseases causing ischemia of the upper extremity are similar to those affecting the lower extremity, yet significant differences exist regarding symptoms, complications, and severity of disability. Recognized anatomic and functional dissimilarities between the upper and lower extremities account for many of these differences. Atherosclerosis accounts for most upper extremity occlusive lesions involving the innominate and subclavian arteries. Occlusions of the axillary, brachial, radial, and ulnar arteries more commonly are due to other processes including emboli and trauma, both iatrogenic and noniatrogenic. Distal radial, ulnar, and hand occlusive disease is more characteristic of thromboangiitis obliterans and collagen vascular disease. Because of abundant collateral circulation at both the shoulder and elbow, operative intervention is required much less often than might otherwise be predicted by arteriographically demonstrated occlusions of the upper extremity arterial circulation. Surgical therapy is required only in those patients who present with manifestations of significant upper extremity ischemia such as exercise intolerance, rest pain, or tissue loss. Complete arteriographic studies from the aortic arch to the fingertips is mandatory for the planning of an appropriate reconstructive procedure. In general, operative management for chronic ischemia requires bypass grafting although in some instances, endarterectomy may be appropriate. The purpose of this article is to briefly outline
Quantitative assessment of small intraosseous prostate cancer burden in SCID mice using fluorescence imaging.

BACKGROUND Experimental bone metastases are typically analyzed when the skeletal tumor burden is large enough to be detected by imaging or histology. By this time, the bone microenvironment is usually destroyed, preventing useful analysis of tumor–bone interactions. METHODS Small intraosseous tumors generated by intratibial injection of C4-2B prostate cancer cells transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP) were assessed using in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging, radiography, histology, and fluorometric analysis of bone lysates. RESULTS Ex vivo fluorescence imaging and fluorometric analysis were capable of detecting tiny bone tumors as early as 10 days after injection. Ex vivo fluorescence imaging allowed simple quantification of small skeletal tumor burden and was useful in measuring the effect of systemic therapy. CONCLUSIONS Ex vivo fluorescence imaging is a sensitive and easy method to quantify small skeletal tumor burden. This technique allows investigation of tumor–bone interactions while the bone microanatomy is still intact. Prostate 67:107–114, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Matching elements and a directional coupler based on ENZ narrow channels

Epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) narrow channels inspired by super coupling are proposed to (1) match two dissimilar coaxial lines, (2) match a coaxial line to a rectangular waveguide and (3) to implement a directional coupler. The designs presented here are inherently narrowband in operation, but broadband implementation is possible using cascaded sections as presented in [10].
Exploring the Role of a Conserved Class A Residue in the Ω-Loop of KPC-2 β-Lactamase A MECHANISM FOR CEFTAZIDIME HYDROLYSIS

Abstract Gram-negative bacteria harboring KPC-2, a class A β-lactamase, are resistant to all β-lactam antibiotics and pose a major public health threat. Arg-164 is a conserved residue in all class A β-lactamases and is located in the solvent-exposed Ω-loop of KPC-2. To probe the role of this amino acid in KPC-2, we performed site-saturation mutagenesis. When compared with wild type, 11 of 19 variants at position Arg-164 in KPC-2 conferred increased resistance to the oxyimino-cephalosporin, ceftazidime (minimum inhibitory concentration; 32→128 mg/liter) when expressed in Escherichia coli. Using the R164S variant of KPC-2 as a representative β-lactamase for more detailed analysis, we observed only a modest 25% increase in kcat/Km for ceftazidime (0.015→0.019 μm−1 s−1). Employing pre-steady-state kinetics and mass spectrometry, we determined that acylation is rate-limiting for ceftazidime hydrolysis by KPC-2, whereas deacylation is rate-limiting in the R164S variant, leading to accumulation of acyl-enzyme at steady-state. CD spectroscopy revealed that a conformational change occurred in the turnover of ceftazidime by KPC-2, but not the R164S variant, providing evidence for a different form of the enzyme at steady state. Molecular models constructed to explain these findings suggest that ceftazidime adopts a unique conformation, despite preservation of Ω-loop structure. We propose that the R164S substitution in KPC-2 enhances ceftazidime resistance by proceeding through “covalent trapping” of the substrate by a deacylation impaired enzyme with a lower Km. Future antibiotic design must consider the distinctive behavior of the Ω-loop of KPC-2.
Calcium-absorbing cell of the chick chorioallantoic membrane. I. Morphology, distribution and cellular interactions.

Abstract The ultrastructure of the chick embryo chorion is examined with regard to a specialized cell, the calcium absorbing cell (CAC), and its relationships to other elements of the chorion and the shell membrane (SM). The CAC has a highly differentiated apex which shows the combined features of secretory and absorptive cells. The cell apex, lying in a cup-shaped depression, has many microvillous processes under which lies a zone of pinocytotic vacuoles. A thin SM basal lamina over the cup orifice forms the only barrier between the CAC apex and the spaces of the SM. Numerous mitochondria are present in an otherwise poorly differentiated dense cytoplasm. Golgi membranes and endoplasmic reticulum profiles are few in number. The CAC is a solitary cell intercalated at about 15 μm intervals into the walls of the chorionic blood sinuses. Attenuated processes of neighboring chorionic cells or the basal laminae and endothelial cells of the sinusoidal walls insulate the CAC from the embryonic circulation. The depths of the latter barriers appear normal to other blood vessels so that little interference is presented to the interchange of ionic species.
The Road to Upward Mobility Urbanity and the Creation of a New Middle Class in Postwar West Germany

In the years after World War II, West Germany (after 1949 the Federal Republic of Germany, or FRG) experienced a severe housing shortage coupled with a demand—unambiguously conveyed by the occupying powers—to “modernize” and socially restructure. With war-torn cities needing extensive repair, politicians and planners made choices that affected not only the physical but also the social landscape, with the federal government ultimately using urban policy in an attempt to redefine identity and help shape a new middle class. This article traces this process by examining three postwar policy directions—suburbanization, urban high-rise housing, and automobile ownership—both as an economic driver and as a first toehold on the ladder to upward mobility. I argue that not only did these policy foci fundamentally change the FRG’s urban landscape, their physical manifestations became central to the nation’s often-acrimonious debate over societal modernization.
Ultraviolet sensitivity of fungi associated with mycotic keratitis and other mycoses

Representative spore, hyphal, and yeast phase fungi were exposed to ultraviolet (2537 A) radiation, using the low pressure mercury vapor lamp. The yeast phase was found most susceptible to ultraviolet radiation, and spores the most resistant. Since yeast and hyphae are the phases found in tissue, ultraviolet radiation may be a useful adjunct to antifungal therapy in such diseases as mycotic keratitis.
Parametric Amplification of Millimeter and Submillimeter Waves: Results, Potentials and Limitations

In the past parametric amplification was limited to microwave frequencies, as varactors did not reach high enough cutoff frequencies and low enough parasitic reactance. Recently Au-GsAs Schottky Barrier junctions with cutoff frequencies f/sub c/ beyond 1000 GHz mounted in Sharpless-wafers have opened the mm-wave region for this device.
The Bias Introduced by Population Stratification in IBD Based Linkage Analysis

The lack of replication of model-free linkage analyses performed on complex diseases raises questions about the robustness of these methods to various biases. The confounding effect of population stratification on a genetic association study has long been recognized in the genetic epidemiology community. Because the estimation of the number of alleles shared identical by descent (IBD) does not depend on the marker allele frequency when founders of families are observed, model-free linkage analysis is usually thought to be robust to population stratification. However, for common complex diseases, the genotypes of founders are often unobserved and therefore population stratification has the potential to impair model-free linkage analysis. Here, we demonstrate that, when some or all of the founder genotypes are missing, population stratification can introduce deleterious effects on various model-free linkage methods or designs. For an affected sib pair design, it can cause excess false-positive discoveries even when the trait distribution is homogeneous among subpopulations. After incorporating a control group of discordant sib pairs or for a quantitative trait, two circumstances must be met for population stratification to be a confounder: the distributions for both the marker and the trait must be heterogeneous among subpopulations. When this occurs, the bias can result in either a liberal, and hence invalid, test or a conservative test. Bias can be eliminated or alleviated by inclusion of founders’ or other family members’ genotype data. When this is not possible, new methods need to be developed to be robust to population stratification.
Sterols in the plasma and digestive gland-gonad complex of Biomphalaria glabrata snails, fed lettuce versus hen's egg yolk, as determined by GLC.

Abstract 1. 1. Gas-liquid chromatography studies were done on sterols in plasma and the digestive gland-gonad (DGG) complex of Biomphalaria glabrata snails fed lettuce vs hen's egg yolk. 2. 2. The major sterols present in the DGG of both populations were cholesterol, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and desmosterol. 3. 3. The percentage composition of cholesterol in the DGG of yolk vs lettuce fed snails was 82 and 51, respectively. 4. 4. The elution profiles of sterols in the plasma of yolk vs lettuce fed snails were similar; both contained desmosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, negligible amounts of cholesterol, and unidentified sterols. 5. 5. The high lipid diet increased the level of cholesterol in the DGG but not in the plasma.
Elective Partial Nephrectomy in Patients With Clinical T1b Renal Tumors Is Associated With Improved Overall Survival

Objectives Elective partial nephrectomy (PN) in patients with cT1b renal tumors is relatively unstudied. Most surgeons currently only perform radical nephrectomy (RN) in this population. Patients with localized kidney cancer may die from disease, but the risk of a non–cancerrelated death is significant and may be worsened by nephrectomy-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD). PN may offer the perfect combination of cancer control and preservation of renal function; therefore we compared overall and cancer-specific survival in patients treated for cT1b renal masses. Methods From 1999 to 1906, 510 patients with renal tumors >4-7 cm, a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) >60, and a normal contralateral kidney underwent extirpative surgery (PN, n = 212 or RN, n = 298) at our institution. As the patients were not randomized, we generated a propensity model based on preoperative patient characteristics to control for selection bias. Results Cancer-specific survival was similar between cohorts when compared by pathologic stage and grade. On multivariate analysis, RN was associated with postoperative CKD (odds ratio 3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1-5.6). Survival analysis demonstrated that when controlling for the propensity score, PN was associated with better overall survival (hazard ratio 0.30, 95% CI = .13-.71). Conclusions Where technically feasible, PN offers cancer control equivalent to that of RN. Elective PN was associated with a significantly better overall survival in this cohort, even when controlling for age, tumor size, pathologic stage, and burden of comorbid diseases. The improvement in overall survival appears to be attributable in part to prevention of postoperative CKD.
Influence of some endocrine glands, hormones and blinding on the histology and porphyrins of the Harderian glands of golden hamsters

Harderian glands of female or castrated male hamsters contained scattered luminal pigment deposits and a single cell type. Two cell types were found in the glands from intact males. Glands from both male and female animals showed abundant cytoplasmic lipids. Pigment formation appeared to be endogenous and in some cases occurred by extrusion of cells from alveolar walls and their subsequent transformation. Holocrine secretion was demonstrable. Porphyrin concentrations in the glands from females were increased three weeks after bilateral blinding and decreased following hypophysectomy, ablation of one Harderian gland, unilateral blinding, treatment with thiourea or exposure to an environmental temperature of 8°C. Ovariectomy or ovariectomy plus treatment with 17-α-estradiol for three weeks had no effect on the Harderian glands nor did pinealectomy. Porphyrin concentrations in the glands from male hamsters were extremely low. Castration increased these concentrations over 100-fold and modified the morphology toward that of the female while testosterone proprionate treatment prevented these changes. Administration of H3-thymidine and subsequent radioautography revealed a peak in mitotic activity between 9:30 PM and 12:30 AM at the end of the light period or the beginning of the dark period. Longterm blinded or blinded, castrated males had Harderian glands which were microscopically “lacelike” due to intense steatogenesis.
Failure of the national flood insurance partnership

Abstract For nearly a decade flood insurance was provided by a unique partnership arrangement involving the federal government and the private insurance industry. This study examines (1) the rationale for establishing subsidized flood insurance in the United States, (2) the government-industry partnership formed to provide flood insurance, (3) the reasons why the partnership failed, and (4) the implications of the failure for future joint ventures between government and industry.
Auditory nerve representation of naturally-produced vowels with variable acoustics

This investigation compared the encoding of naturally-produced, whispered and normally-voiced vowels by auditory nerve fibers. Speech syllables containing the vowels /open o/ and /ae/ were produced by two female speakers and presented at three intensities to ketamine-anesthetized chinchillas. Six different representations of the spectral components in the vowels in the responses of the auditory nerve fibers were evaluated. For both normal and whispered vowels over a 30 dB range, the formant peaks in the vowel were best displayed using rate-place representations. The spectral detail in the vowel was revealed by average localized synchronized rates (ALSR) and autocorrelations of individual peristimulus time histograms. The average localized interval rates (ALIR), autocorrelations of ensemble responses, and autocorrelations of individual spike trains demonstrated poor representations of vowel spectra, although the frequency components of normally-voiced vowels had better representations than those of whispered vowels. These analyses suggest that rate-based and synchronization-based measures yields two very different pieces of information, but only a normalized rate-based measure consistently identified the formants of both the whispered and normally-voiced vowels.
Effect of ABCB1 polymorphisms and atorvastatin on sitagliptin pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers

Objectives The objectives of this study were to determine if ABCB1 polymorphisms are associated with interindividual variability in sitagliptin pharmacokinetics and if atorvastatin alters the pharmacokinetic disposition of sitagliptin in healthy volunteers.
2011 Mass Media Fellow lands at Voice of America

[1] Although on track to earn her Ph.D. in atmospheric physics next year, Dione Lee Rossiter is looking forward to a different sort of science career than the often-sought-after academic or research position. Her calling, she says, is science outreach, advocacy, and communication. Her eyes flash and her smile widens when she talks about illuminating science, making it feel relevant, credible, and important and rendering it understandable to the many people who often find science just the opposite. “If people just understood science on a little bit higher level, they could start making more informed decisions. That's one of my passions—seeing that people are as excited as I am,” she says.
Life: The Science of Biology

Life: Its Origins and Evolution - PART ONE: THE CELL - Life and Chemistry: Small Molecules - Life and Chemistry: Large Molecules - Cells: The Basic Units of Life - Cellular Membranes - Energy, Enzymes, and Metabolism - Cellular Pathways that Harvest Chemical Energy - Photosynthesis: Energy from the Sun - PART TWO: INFORMATION AND HEREDITY - Chromosomes, the Cell Cycle, and Cell Division - Transmission Genetics: Mendel and Beyond - DNA and its Role in Heredity - From DNA to Protein: Genotype to Phenotype - The Genetics of Viruses and Prokaryotes - The Eukaryotic Genome and its Expression - Cell Signaling and Gene Expression - Recombinant DNA and Biotechnology - Molecular Biology and Medicine - Natural Defenses against Disease - PART THREE: DEVELOPMENT - Differential Gene Expression in Development - Animal Development: From Genes to Organism - Development and Evolutionary Change - PART FOUR: EVOLUTIONARY PROCESSES - The History of Life on Earth - The Mechanisms of Evolution - Species and their Formation - Constructing and Using Phylogenies - Molecular and Genomic Evolution - PART FIVE: THE EVOLUTION OF DIVERSITY - Bacteria and Archaea: The Prokaryotic Domains - Protists and the Dawn of the Eukarya - Plants without Seeds: From Sea to Land - The Evolution of Seed Plants - Fungi: Recyclers, Killers, and Plant Partners - Ancestors and Lophotrochozoans - Ecdysozoans: The Molting Animals - Deuterostomate Animals - PART SIX: THE BIOLOGY OF FLOWERING PLANTS - The Plant Body - Transport in Plants - Plant Nutrition - Plant Growth Regulation - Reproduction in Flowering Plants - Plant Responses to Environmental Challenges - PART SEVEN: THE BIOLOGY OF ANIMALS - Physiology, Homeostasis, and Temperature Regulation - Animal Hormones - Animal Reproduction - Neurons and Nervous Systems - Sensory Systems - The Mammalian Nervous System: Structure and Higher Functions - Effectors - Gas Exchange in Animals - Circulatory Systems - Animal Nutrition - Salt and Water Balance and Nitrogen Excretion - Animal Behavior - PART EIGHT: ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY - Behavioral Ecology - Population Ecology - Community Ecology - Biogeography - Conservation Biology - Earth Systems Science
Stabilization and size of araC protein.

AraC protein from Escherichia coli has been further stabilized and characterized. pH is a critical variable in conferring stability. araC protein has a sedimentation coefficient of 4.0±0.2 s on standardized 5%–20% glycerol gradients. Its isoelectric point is at a pH of 7.1.
Growth, Yield and Nutrition of Potato in Fumigated or Nonfumigated Soil Amended with Spent Mushroom Compost and Straw Mulch

Four cultural amendments; spent mushroom compost, straw mulch, both compost and straw mulch, or neither, were applied to soils that were either fumigated or not fumigated in a field of potatoes subject to early dying and Colorado potato beetle defoliation. Two plant samples were harvested at two week intervals to measure shoot and tuber growth and mineral nutrition, and two rows were harvested for yield at maturity. Amending the soil with compost increased vegetative growth and shoot weight more than final yield of tubers. Compost amendment delayed tuber filling by several days. Fumigation partly controlled the loss of leaf area due to early dying, but it did not increase tuber yields, and in 1994 fumigation reduced tuber yield in compost amended soils. The effects of compost and straw mulch on tuber yield were related to the concentrations of N and P in leaves. The potato crop did not benefit from compost amendment combined with fumigation, because in fumigated soil there was no improvement in plant nutr...
Overexpression of the yeast transcriptional activator ADR1 induces mutation of the mitochondrial genome

It was previously observed that increased dosages of the ADR1 gene, which encodes a yeast transcriptional activator required for alcohol dehydrogenase II (ADH II) expression, cause a decreased rate of growth in medium containing ethanol as the carbon source. Here we show that the observed reduction in growth rate is mediated by the ADR1 protein which, when overexpressed, increases the frequency of cytoplasmic petites. Unlike previously characterized mutations known to potentiate petite formation, the ADR1 effect is dominant, with the petite frequency rising concomitantly with increasing ADR1 dosage. The ability of ADR1 to increase the frequency of mitochondrial mutation is correlated with its ability to activate ADH II transcription but is independent of the level of ADH II being expressed. Based on restoration tests using characterized mit − strains, ADR1 appears to cause non-specific deletions within the mitochondrial genome to produce rho − petites. Pedigree analysis of ADR1-overproducing strains indicates that only daughter cells become petite. This pattern is analogous to that observed for petite induction by growth at elevated temperature and by treatment with the acridine dye euflavine. One strain resistant to ADR1-induced petite formation displayed cross-resistance to petite mutation by growth at elevated temperature and euflavine treatment, yet was susceptible to petite induction by ethidium bromide. These results suggest that ADR1 overexpression disrupts the fidelity of mitochondrial DNA replication or repair.
A procedure for the isotopic synthesis of alpha-amino acids with reference to isoleucine

A procedure for the synthesis of isotopic dl-isoleucine is described wherein a labeled carbon atom can be incorporated as a methyl group in the β-position of the chain. A study of four aliphatic alcohols (sec-butyl, n-amyl, iso-amyl, and n-octyl alcohols), to ascertain the influence of alkyl chains on each synthetic step, gave no significant results. The following new compounds were prepared: sec-butoxymethyl ethyl ketone, n-amyloxymethyl ethyl ketone, sec-butoxy-2-methyl-2-butanol, iso-amyloxy-2-methyl-2-butanol, n-amyloxy-2-methyl-2-butanol, and n-octyloxy-2-methyl-2-butanol.
Forgetting: Trace Erosion or Retrieval Failure?

A series of lists of random words was presented. Following each list, the subject attempted to recall the words of the list prior to the list just presented. Recall probability for a given word depended on the length of the list in which it was embedded, not on the length of the list intervening between presentation and test. These results indicate that forgetting is a failure in the memory search during retrieval rather than a degradation of the memory trace occurring between presentation and test.
The recognition domain for the low density lipoprotein cellular receptor is expressed once on each lipoprotein particle

The stoichiometry of binding of monoclonal antibodies and Fab fragments to LDL was assessed. Increasing amounts of two [125I]-labelled antibodies which define epitopes at or near the LDL-receptor recognition domains of apoB were incubated with fixed amounts of LDL and antibody-LDL complexes were separated from free antibodies by heparin-MnCl2 precipitation. Saturation kinetics were obtained and data were analyzed according to Scatchard. One antibody or Fab fragment was bound per LDL particle. Homogeneity of binding was indicated by straight Scatchard lines and by the binding of virtually all LDL particles by an antibody affinity chromatographic column.
Regulation of Osteoprotegerin Gene Expression in Dental Follicle Cells

Colony-stimulating factor-one (CSF-1) and parathyroid-hormone-related protein (PTHrP) down-regulate osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene expression in the dental follicle of the rat first mandibular molar. To examine this regulation at the signal transduction level, we treated cultured dental follicle cells with either phorbolmyristate acetate (PMA) or dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) to activate either protein kinase C (PKC) or protein kinase A (PKA). Our results demonstrate that PMA up-regulates OPG gene expression and down-regulates the expression of CSF-1 and the PTHrP receptor (PTHrP-R). Conversely, dbcAMP down-regulates OPG expression and up-regulates CSF-1 and PTHrP-R expression. Immunostaining shows that PMA also increases the steady-state levels of protein. Thus, treatment with agents that affect protein kinase activity also enhance the steady-state mRNA and protein levels of OPG, as well as decreasing the mRNA levels of CSF-1 and PTHrP-R. The PKC-α isoform may be critical in OPG regulation because PKC-α gene...
Increased Copper in Individuals with Autism Normalizes Post Zinc Therapy More Efficiently in Individuals with Concurrent GI Disease

Aim: To assess plasma zinc and copper concentration in individuals with autism. Subjects and methods: Plasma from 79 autistic individuals, and 18 age and gender similar neurotypical controls, were tested for plasma zinc and copper using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Results: Autistic individuals had significantly elevated plasma levels of copper and Cu/Zn and lower, but not significantly lower, plasma Zn compared to neurotypical controls. Zn levels increased significantly in autistic individuals with and without GI disease after zinc therapy. Cu decreased significantly after zinc therapy in the GI disease group but not in the autistic group without GI disease. Autistic children significantly improved with respect to hyperactivity and stimming after zinc therapy in autistic children with GI disease. Autistic children without GI disease did not improve in these symptoms after the same therapy. Discussion: These results suggest an association between zinc and copper plasma levels and autism, and they suggest that zinc therapy may be most effective at lowering copper levels in autistic children with GI disease.
Repeated Significance Testing for a General Class of Statistics Used in Censored Survival Analysis

Abstract The asymptotic joint distribution of a class of sequentially computed statistics used in survival analysis is derived when the individuals under study enter serially and are subject to random loss to follow-up. These results are used for constructing repeated significance tests over real time.
Neurological evaluation of chronic headache patients : is laboratory testing always necessary?

A review of records was conducted to examine the utility of doing routine laboratory testing (EEG and skull X rays) versus testing at the discretion of the attending neurologist on patients presenting for the nonpharmacological treatment of chronic headache. A total of 278 patients underwent neurological evaluation as part of a routine assessment prior to beginning self-regulatory treatment for headache. The first 112 subjects received routine laboratory tests of EEG and skull X-ray films. The second set of 166 subjects received laboratory tests only when deemed necessary by the neurologist. The rate of abnormal EEG in chronic headache sufferers was no greater than that found in the normal population, and only one or two potentially serious abnormalities were found on any laboratory test. A higher rate of abnormality was found when the CT scan was used in conjunction with clinical judgment. The majority of clients with abnormal laboratory tests (most of which were mildly abnormal) still saw substantial headache reduction with self-regulatory treatment for chronic headache. The authors suggest that routine laboratory testing may not be necessary and should be left to the discretion of a qualified neurologist.
Economic Restructuring and the Rise of Urban Social Movements

The rise of social movements in postwar American cities has been associated with economic reorganization and urban redevelopment. But we argue that although economic change in the cities and social migration motivated by national economic forces provided the objective conditions within which movements arose, specifically political factors were determinative. The first part of this article explores in theory the linkages between economic change and social mobilization. It concludes that urban movements must be under-stood within the context of both routine urban politics and national political events. Using New York City as a case, we go on to show that before and after the national black movement of the 1960s, popular urban protest was commonplace, yet was channeled and contained by the political system. Thus, in recent years, despite enormous economic reorganization and decline in the situation of the lower classes in New York, urban movements have not arisen. Rather, communal protest is isolated, instit...
Development of a Real-Time Microchip PCR System for Portable Plant Disease Diagnosis

Rapid and accurate detection of plant pathogens in the field is crucial to prevent the proliferation of infected crops. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process is the most reliable and accepted method for plant pathogen diagnosis, however current conventional PCR machines are not portable and require additional post-processing steps to detect the amplified DNA (amplicon) of pathogens. Real-time PCR can directly quantify the amplicon during the DNA amplification without the need for post processing, thus more suitable for field operations, however still takes time and require large instruments that are costly and not portable. Microchip PCR systems have emerged in the past decade to miniaturize conventional PCR systems and to reduce operation time and cost. Real-time microchip PCR systems have also emerged, but unfortunately all reported portable real-time microchip PCR systems require various auxiliary instruments. Here we present a stand-alone real-time microchip PCR system composed of a PCR reaction chamber microchip with integrated thin-film heater, a compact fluorescence detector to detect amplified DNA, a microcontroller to control the entire thermocycling operation with data acquisition capability, and a battery. The entire system is 25×16×8 cm3 in size and 843 g in weight. The disposable microchip requires only 8-µl sample volume and a single PCR run consumes 110 mAh of power. A DNA extraction protocol, notably without the use of liquid nitrogen, chemicals, and other large lab equipment, was developed for field operations. The developed real-time microchip PCR system and the DNA extraction protocol were used to successfully detect six different fungal and bacterial plant pathogens with 100% success rate to a detection limit of 5 ng/8 µl sample.
Access control for collaborative environments

In this dissertation, previous work on access control for both collaborative and non-collaborative systems is surveyed. New access control requirements for general collaborative environments are identified, and it is shown that existing models do not completely meet these requirements. A new access control model is developed for meeting the requirements. In particular, a set of collaboration rights are identified based on a general collaboration model; exception-based, multiple inheritance mechanisms are used to support both flexible and high-level access specification; and dynamic, multiple ownership rules are developed to support flexible access administration. The model can emulate a variety of existing systems and meets the new access requirements. It has been implemented in a generic, extensible collaborative system, which relieves individual applications from implementing the model.
Aging of Collagen

Current knowledge of the structure and the mechanism of formation of the covalent cross-links that fuse individual collagen molecules into a stable fiber is reviewed. Some of the mechanical properties of dermal connective tissue and the way in which these change with age can be correlated with the types of cross-link present in the tissue. Cross-links are routinely detected by treatment of a tissue sample with tritium-labeled borohydride and subsequent isolation and quantification of the cross-linked compound, which has been rendered radioactive by reaction with this reducing compound. After maturity, the number of detectable cross-links decreases even though the mechanical stability of the tissue increases. This anomaly is examined in the light of recent data suggesting that cross-links may be oxidized in vivo and thus become undetectable since they can no longer react with borohydride.
Upwelling response to coastal wind profiles

[1] The spatial structure of nearshore wind, as measured by aircraft and analyzed in high-resolution atmospheric models (e.g., COAMPS), has strong influence on the patterns of upwelling circulation, surface temperature, and biogeochemical processes in coastal regions. Using a regional oceanic model for both the Southern California Bight and the Central California Coast, we demonstrate the nature of this upwelling sensitivity and infer that present wind analyses do not adequately determine the most important wind properties, viz., the strength of the nearshore curl and the speed drop-off near the coast.
The Energy Issue Partisan Characteristics

This study finds that, although energy policy preferences are related to political party identification, they are often more strongly related to perceived seriousness of the energy situation, to education, and to age. Those who perceive the situation to be serious, and the young, are more likely than others to favor conservation and abandonment of existing energy supplies in favor of nonconventional supplies. Also, the partisan dimension of the energy issue is found to increase as consideration of the issue becomes more specific.
Pupil responses of addicts in treatment to drug culture argot: II. Responses during verbalization of visually presented words

A series of words falling into the categories of control, sex, and drug argot were visually presented to 10 addicts in treatment. The latter two categories were composed of double entendre words, one of the meanings of which referred to sex or drug argot. Ss were asked to verbalize each word as it was presented. Mean pupil responses did not differentiate the stimulus categories; however, psychometric scales relating to addiction and sexual orientation correlated significantly with pupil responses to the appropriate stimulus categories.