cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stable integration and expression of β-glucuronidase and NPT II genes in mango somatic embryos

Somatic proembryos of mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Hindi) were co-cultivated withAgrobacterium tumefaciens strain A208 harboring pTiT37-Se::pMON 9749 (9749 ASE). Transformed somatic proembryos capable of growing on selection medium containing 200 μg/ml kanamycin produced the characteristic indigo blue precipitate in the presence of 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-glucuronic acid. These proembryos were chimeral consisting of transformed (blue) and nontransformed (yellow/white) cells. A stepwise selection strategy was found necessary to eliminate chimeras. a) Initial screening at 200 μg/ml kanamycin to enable growth of transformed cells, b) further screening at 400 μg/ml kanamycin to reduce chimeras, and c) recovery of pure transformed clones of proembryos in liquid selection medium with 100 μg/ml kanamycin. The integration of the NPT II and GUS genes into mango genome was confirmed by Southern hybridization.
Minimum photosynthetic unit size in System I and System II of barley chloroplasts

The minimum functional chlorophyll antenna size of Photosystem I and of Photosystem II was measured in the chlorophyll b-less chlorina f2 mutant of barley grown under intermittent light conditions. In spite of the severely limiting rate of chlorophyll biosynthesis, the chloroplasts assembled functional Photosystem I and Photosystem II complexes containing 95 and 37 chlorophyll a molecules, respectively. This may constitute the smallest functional chlorophyll antenna that can be stably assembled in the thylakoid membrane of developing chloroplasts.
Misleading Density of Mediastinal Cysts on Computerized Tomography

Five patients seen with roentgenographic evidence of smooth, rounded mediastinal masses were evaluated by computerized tomographic (CT) scanning. Density readings from the lesion were interpreted in all patients as being equivalent to solid tissue. With these findings, thoracotomy seemed necessary for definitive diagnosis. All 5 lesions were found to be thin-walled cystic structures containing thick viscid fluid. Contrary to views expressed in the radiology literature, we conclude that computerized tomography does not differentiate reliably between solid and cystic mediastinal masses.
Immune response to split-product influenza vaccine in preterm and full-term young children.

Humoral and cellular immune responses to two doses of influenza antigens were measured in children 6–48 months of age. These vaccinees comprised a previously unimmunized cohort of 18 healthy full-term children and 15 sick preterm children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and an additional 30 ex-preterm children who were reimmunized. Half of the reimmunized cohort were recovered from bronchopulmonary dysplasia and half had active bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Antibody response was measured by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and ELISA, and cellular immunity was measured by enumerating memory T cells. Six weeks after immunization, ELISA antibody levels were significantly higher in previously unimmunized full-term vaccinees than in previously unimmunized sick preterm infants ( p 90% of children in both cohorts developed titres ⩾1:32, and these were generally maintained for at least 20 weeks. T-cell proliferative responses to influenza antigen were greater in the full-term children than in the preterm children ( p
Flame retardant finishing of cotton fleece: part VII. Polycarboxylic acids with different numbers of functional group

In our previous research, multifunctional carboxylic acids have been used as flame retardants to reduce the flammability of cotton fleece so that the garment made of cotton fleece can pass the US mandatory requirement specified by the government regulation “Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles” (16 CFR 1610). In this research, we studied and compared the effectiveness of the polycarboxylic acids having different numbers of carboxylic groups as the durable flame retardants for cotton fleece. The cotton fabrics were treated with 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), citric acid (CA), succinic acid (SUA) and malic acid (MLA). We compared the reactivity of those polycarboxylic acids to esterify cotton cellulose and their effectiveness to reduce the flammability of the cotton fleece. The data indicated that the polycarboxylic acids with higher functionalities (BTCA and CA) form more esterlinkages on cotton and are more durable to home launderings than that treated with their bifunctional counter parts (SUA and MLA, respectively). In addition, the cotton fabrics treated with BTCA and CA have higher dimensional stability and higher strength loss. All those differences can be attributed to the fact that only those acids with three or more carboxylic groups, i.e., BTCA and CA, are able to crosslink cotton cellulose whereas the bifunctional acids (SUA and MLA) only form single esterlinkage with cotton.
Community based urban development: a strategy for improving social sustainability

This paper presents an alternative approach to urban development which emphasizes broad based citizen participation in identifying neighbourhood needs and skills as the basis for neighbourhood based development. Process and results of a survey of 444 urban households in Schenectady, New York, affirm the role resident participation can play in identifying development strategies which support social connections, despite existing communication and institutional barriers.
Some improved techniques for measuring radon and radium in marine sediments and in seawater

Abstract By careful sampling and sample processing, radon and radium may be determined in close-spaced sediment segments. These determinations permit estimation of the radon deficit in sea-floor sediments. Collecting radium on manganese-treated fiber greatly simplifies analysis of near-bottom waters. Some improved radon separation and counting techniques are described. With these methods a single operator can process four samples for radon in 140 min. Overall efficiency (extraction-transfer-counting) is 88%. Blanks are negligible. Reproducibilities of 2.6% and 3.8% are achieved for radium and radon, respectively.
Double charmonium production and an X(3940)

Extending a previous analysis [1] the double charmonium production e+e− → J/ψ(c) has been investigated in detail with a data set of 155 fb−1 with the Belle detector. J/ψ production and helicity angular distributions are measured and give important information about the production mechanism. Theoretical predictions for the production cross section are one order of magnitude lower than the measurement and this discrepancy is still not understood. The process e+e− → ψ(2S)(c) has been observed for the first time. The measured cross sections are compatible with e+e− → J/ψ(c) production. In a very recent update with a dataset of 285 fb-1 strong evidence for a new charmonium state at a mass of 3.940 GeV was found.
Universal platelets: “A” change in dogma

Comment on Cooling et al, page [3356][1] The expression of ABH antigens by red cells and platelets has been thought to be similar but this is not true. Platelets from group A2 donors lack A antigen and are compatible with all blood groups. Group O red blood cells (RBCs) are universal blood
The impact of equivalence ratio oscillations on combustion dynamics in a backward-facing step combustor

Abstract The combustion dynamics of propane–air flames are investigated in an atmospheric pressure, atmospheric inlet temperature, lean, premixed backward-facing step combustor. We modify the location of the fuel injector to examine the impact of equivalence ratio oscillations arriving at the flame on the combustion dynamics. Simultaneous pressure, velocity, heat-release rate and equivalence ratio measurements and high-speed video from the experiments are used to identify and characterize several distinct operating modes. When the fuel is injected far upstream from the step, the equivalence ratio arriving at the flame is steady and the combustion dynamics are controlled only by flame–vortex interactions. In this case, different dynamic regimes are observed depending on the operating parameters. When the fuel is injected close to the step, the equivalence ratio arriving at the flame exhibits oscillations. In the presence of equivalence ratio oscillations, the measured sound pressure level is significant across the entire range of lean mean equivalence ratios even if the equivalence ratio oscillations arriving at the flame are out-of-phase with the pressure oscillations. The combustion dynamics are governed primarily by the flame–vortex interactions, while the equivalence ratio oscillations have secondary effects. The equivalence ratio oscillations could generate variations in the combustion dynamics in each cycle under some operating conditions, destabilize the flame at the entire range of the lean equivalence ratios, and increase the value of the mean equivalence ratio at the lean blowout limit.
Tracer study of mixing and transport in the upper Hudson River with multiple dams

In October 2001, ∼0.2mol of SF6 was injected into the upper Hudson River, a modified natural channel with multiple dams, at Ft. Edward, N.Y. The tracer was monitored for 7 days as it moved ∼50km downriver. The longitudinal evolution of the tracer distribution was used to estimate one-dimensional advection (9.0±0.2kmd-1) and dispersion (17.3±4.0m2s-1) along the river axis. Comparison of these results to tracer studies on channels without dams suggests that dams reduce longitudinal dispersion below the value expected in a natural channel with the same discharge. SF6 loss through air–water gas exchange along the river and at two dams (10.7m combined height) was estimated by observing decay in peak concentration. Losses at dams (approximately 50% per dam) were dominant. The estimated gas exchange at dams was compared to a simple model adapted from those available in literature. Small amounts of tracer were trapped in a canal segment (∼5km long) that parallels the river, where advection and dispersion were sha...
Accumulation of transferrin in Caco-2 cells : A possible mechanism of intestinal transferrin absorption

Transferrin receptor (TfR)-mediated endocytosis and transcytosis in enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells was investigated in order to elucidate the transport mechanism of orally administered Tf-fusion proteins. Cellular uptake and pulse chase studies were performed in Caco-2, MCF-7 and bladder carcinoma (5637) cells using 125I-labeled Tf (125I-Tf). Co-localization studies of Rab 11 and FITC-Tf endocytosed at either the apical or basolateral membrane were performed in polarized Caco-2 cells grown on Transwells, using confocal laser scanning microscopy (LSM510, Zeiss). Unlike in MCF-7 or 5637 cells, where rapid recycling of Tf was observed, a significant amount of endocytosed 125I-Tf accumulated in Caco-2 cells. This accumulation was especially noticeable with the internalization of 125I-Tf from the apical membrane of polarized Caco-2 cells. Confocal microscopy studies showed that apically, but not basolaterally, endocytosed FITC-Tf was delivered to a Rab11-positive compartment. Our results suggest that a significant amount of apically endocytosed Tf in intestinal epithelial cells is transported to a Rab11-positive compartment, possibly a late endosomal and slow recycling compartment. The Rab11-positive compartment may control the release of apically internalized Tf for either slow recycling to apical membrane or processing to transcytotic compartments.
Mapping the Structure of the Cardiac Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel (Nav1.5) C-Terminus: Implications of An Lqt3 Mutant

The cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel(Nav1.5) underlies the upstroke of the cardiac action potential and can contribute to action potential duration. Defects in sodium channel inactivation, for which the carboxy terminus(C-T) plays an important role, are linked to cardiac arrhythmia. Studies of the C-T identify four proximal helices that form an EF hand motif and two predicted distal helices whose location relative to the EF hand motif are unknown. We used transition metal ion FRET to measure intramolecular interactions within the C-T to locate the predicted distal helix(H6). A single intrinsic tryptophan in the 1st C-T helix(H1), and Ni2+ coordinated by engineered di-histidine residues were used as the fluorescence donor and acceptor, respectively. Initial experiments confirmed the validity of the use of Trp as the donor and measured the distance between the Trp and a di-histidine on the 4th helix consistent with the NaV1.5 EF NMR (16.7±0.3 vs. 16.8A). Next, a distance between the Trp and a di-histidine on the middle of H6 was measured, demonstrating this interaction for the first time in cis. Introduction of an LQT3 mutation, S1904L, previously shown to disrupt inactivation, in the H6 di-Histidine background increased the distance such that there was no FRET. This indicated that the di-Histidine had moved >5 A. The change in distance correlates with disruption of inactivation, suggesting that the H6 interaction with the EF hand domain may be necessary for proper inactivation. Finally, we were able to measure distances for additional sites on H6 providing information about the orientation and distance of H6 relative to the EF hands. These data provide a structural framework within which mutational effects can be examined and provide a structural correlate to altered function in an LQT3 mutant channel.
Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships Using Hydrophobicity Constants Measured by High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography: A Comparison with Octanol-Water Partition Coefficients

Abstract Capacity ratios (k') for a set of small organic compounds of miscellaneous structure were measured under a variety of reversed-phase liquid chromatoghraphic conditions. The capacity ratios from these experiments were correlated with the binding of these solutes to bovine serum albumin (BSA). Hydrophobic binding of small molecules to BSA is considered to be a nonspecific process (i.e., requiring no special orientation or restriction of movement of the solute molecules) and serves as a model for the hydrophobic binding of small molecules to other macromolecules, such as hemoglobin and ribonuclease. Standard deviations from these correlations were compared using the null hypothesis to determine the set of chromatographic conditions giving the best correlation with the binding constants. The null hypothesis was again applied to compare the correlation of the best chromatographic data with binding to the correlation of the binding data with the octanol-water partition coefficients of these compounds. ...
LIS1 and Nude Permit Multiple Dynein Motors to Cooperate to Transport High Loads

Cytoplasmic dynein is involved in a wide range of intracellular movements including fast vesicular transport and slow nuclear translocation. How one motor contributes to fast, low load movement as well as slow, high-load movement is unknown. We have found that two dynein regulatory factors, LIS1 and NudE, cooperate to convert dynein to a novel persistent force state under load (MBC 19(suppl.), 1546). We found NudE to recruit LIS1 to dynein to form a triple complex, in which LIS1 binds the dynein motor domain in an ADP-VO4 transition state-specific manner. LIS1 enhanced the affinity of dynein for microtubules, but only under transition state conditions. In single molecule bead assays, LIS1 dramatically prolonged the interaction of dynein with microtubules under load, providing the first evidence for a role in dynein force regulation. To measure the resistance of dynein to detachment from microtubules directly, we have now used “superforce” analysis, subjecting beads with associated single dyneins to sudden increases in laser trap strength above the dynein stall force. LIS1 alone or in combination with NudE decreased the detachment of dynein from microtubules by up to 5-fold. To test how LIS1 and NudE affect dynein force production under multi-motor conditions, we monitored beads coated with ∼2-3 dynein molecules at a laser trap strength of 3.7 pN. LIS1 and NudE induced an increased frequency of multi-motor events and caused a dramatic increase in trap escape. In silico simulations confirm that the prolongation of individual dynein-microtubule interactions should result in enhanced force production by multiple motors. These results appear to explain the need for LIS1 and NudE in dynein-dependent, high-load intracellular movements, where multi-motor activity is critical. Support: GM47434, GM068952, HD40182, GM070676.
The impact of pediatric labeling changes on prescribing patterns of cough and cold medications.

Objective To evaluate the impact of initiatives created by the pharmaceutical industry and the Food and Drug Administration to limit the use of over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications (CCMs) in young children in emergency departments (EDs) and ambulatory clinics. Study design Analysis of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey was performed comparing 2005-2006 and 2009-2010 in children aged ≤12 years with a reason for visit consistent with cough or cold-related symptoms. Data were stratified by age ( Results Comparing 2005-2006 and 2009-2010 revealed no changes in ED use of OTC CCMs; however, the use of prescription CCMs decreased, from 6.7% to 2.9% (P = .001). In ambulatory clinics, the overall rate of OTC CCM use increased from 6.3% to 11.1% (P = .001); however, use by children aged Conclusion Implementation of pharmaceutical industry and Food and Drug Administration initiatives did not decrease the use of OTC CCMs in children aged
Infections in immunocompromised hosts and organ transplant recipients: Essentials

Key Points (1) Why do we need to know anything about these patients? Regardless of their specialties, physicians are increasingly confronted with the side effects of therapies that cause varying degrees of immunosuppression: chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation for cancer, solid organ transplantation, and therapies for autoimmune and rheumatological diseases. The management of these patients is increasingly being returned to community-based physicians. The infectious disease clinician is faced with major challenges. (2) The possible etiologies of infections are diverse; they range from common bacterial and viral pathogens that affect the entire community to opportunistic pathogens that are clinically significant only for immunocompromised hosts. (3) Inflammatory responses are impaired by immunosuppressive therapy, and this results in diminished clinical and radiological findings. Thus, an early diagnosis is much more difficult, but it is the key to successful therapy. Invasive diagnostic procedures are often required. (4) Antimicrobial therapies are often more complex in these patients versus other patients because of the urgency of empiric therapy and the frequency of drug toxicity and drug interactions. (5) Drug interactions and drug toxicity are common. The initiation or cessation of antimicrobial therapies may alter the levels of calcineurin inhibitors, antifungal agents, and other drugs. (6) Graft rejection and graft-versus-host disease may be confused with infections. (7) New pathogens and new manifestations of infections in compromised hosts are also problems: aPathogens common to individuals with prolonged defects in their cellular immune function (human immunodeficiency virus) and to neutropenic hosts [Rhodococcus, Cryptosporidium, and Penicillium species; Mycobacterium species (eg, Mycobacterium avium complex); and Scedosporium] have been identified in transplant recipients. bAntimicrobial resistance is a major problem [vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus; methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, and Burkholderia species; fungi (both yeasts and molds); and ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus]. cThere are few therapies for newer viral pathogens (eg, human herpesvirus 6, human herpesvirus 8, and BK virus) and common respiratory viruses (eg, respiratory syncytial virus, adenoviruses, and Metapneumovirus). dPatients from endemic regions may have parasites (eg, Chagas disease and Leishmania). Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Prolonged Delays for Research Training in Medical School are Associated with Poorer Subsequent Clinical Knowledge

Background Complementary degree programs and research training are important alternative tracks in medical school that typically interrupt the traditional MD curriculum.
Comparative mortality studies on Biomphalaria glabrata (mollusca: Pulmonata) exposed to copper internally and externally

Abstract Various concentrations of copper in the form of CuSO4 were injected into the hemocoel of Biomphalaria glabrata, and mortality of this snail was subsequently monitored. The concentrations of copper in the hemolymph of injected snails were calculated, and specimens were incubated in these concentrations. Greater mortality was observed when snails were incubated in concentrations of copper than when they were injected with a sufficient amount of copper to attain these same concentrations in the hemolymph. Injection of copper into the hemocoel of B. glabrata resulted in the formation of a noncellular hemolymph precipitate, most likely denatured proteins, at the injection site, which was most noticeable with higher concentrations of copper. It has been concluded that external concentrations of copper are more cidal to B. glabrata than are internal, i.e., injected, concentrations. These data support the hypothesis that the cidal action of copper on B. glabrata is due to an attack on the mollusc's surface epithelia.
Application of a Yield and Egg Production Model Based on Size to an Offshore American Lobster Population

Abstract We estimated size-specific growth, maturation, yield, and egg production per recruit for an offshore population of American lobster Homarus americanus. The yield and egg production model explicitly considered individual variability in growth. The model also incorporated the interaction between the growth and reproductive cycles of mature females and accommodated molt-related mortality for males and females. Growth rates of offshore American lobsters considerably exceeded estimates for inshore populations; yield and egg production per recruit were correspondingly higher. Simulations indicated that yield per recruit was maximized at low levels of fishing mortality for both males and females. Inclusion of molt-dependent mortality in these simulations resulted in lower levels of yield per recruit and less convex yield curves for both sexes. At high levels of fishing mortality, changes in the predicted mean size of the catch became small, indicating that detecting increases in mortality rates from siz...
Comments on the existence of bloch oscillations

Abstract The validity of Bloch oscillations for an electron in a perfectly periodic lattice potential and a uniform dc electric field is discussed. Two cases are considered for emphasis: (1) a constant, nonzero component of acceleration and (2) motion in a constant field in the limiting case of vanishing lattice potential.
A multistep implicity scheme for time-dependent 2-dimensional Magnetohydrodynamic flows

Abstract It is well known that many solar phenomena take place in or near active regions where the magnetic fields are so strong as to play a predominant role in supporting, heating, and accelerating the plasma. The time step would be severely restricted by the CFL condition and a long time computation would be subjected to numerical instability if an explicit method were adopted in these cases. In addition, improper treatment of the artificial boundaries one has to introduce in order to limit the size of the computational domain often leads to unphysical reflections. An implicit algorithm for solving time-dependent, 2-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic equations is presented which consists of a multistep implicit scheme for discretizing the governing equations and the projected characteristic method for stipulating artificial boundary conditions. The algorithm is illustrated by a physical problem concerning the dynamical response of the static atmosphere to a magnetic flux emergence of opposite polarity from below the photosphere. The stability criteria are given for both the scheme and the projected characteristic method.
Ethanol-induced gastric mucosal blood flow and vascular permeability changes in the rat

Ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury is accompanied by complete cessation of blood flow in the lesion area. An in vivomicroscopy technique was used in the rat to determine whether this cessation of blood flow could be due to increased microvascular permeability with marked plasma exudation and a resultant increase in blood viscosity. The topical application of 100% ethanol to the mucosa caused complete stasis of mucosal blood flow within 1 min. Fluorescent in vivomicroscopy revealed that topical ethanol also caused a prompt increase in mucosal microvascular permeability to albumin. This, however, did not explain the slowing and cessation of mucosal microvascular blood flow as these preceded the permeability change.
Adolescent Bariatric Surgery in 2009

Abstract Weight-loss surgery is increasingly recognized as a safe and effective tool for the treatment of morbid obesity. In this article, we discuss recent results, surgical options, and selection...
Turbulence phenomena in drag reducing systems

An analysis based on the Townsend-Bakewell model of the eddies in the wall regions of turbulent shear flows shows that viscoelastic fluid properties must lead to significant reductions in the rate of production of turbulent energy. This analysis in turn leads to the proper form of the similarity laws for drag reducing fluids, heretofore deduced empirically. Measurements of the axial and radial turbulence intensities for flow through smooth round tubes are reported, as are measurements of the time-averaged velocity profiles and the drag coefficients. These indicate that for solutions exhibiting drag reduction at all Reynolds numbers the flow may be transitional to Reynolds numbers of the order of 105. This transitional flow consists of alternating patches of laminar and turbulent fluid, within each of which the flow characteristics are approximately similar to those of Newtonian fluids. At high Reynolds number conditions with the turbulent field fully developed the velocity profile in the core is flatter under drag-reducing conditions than for turbulent Newtonian fluids, a change dependent on the increased isotropy of the turbulent field of the drag-reducing fluid. These effects appear to be a result of increases in the time scales of the radial fluctuations caused by the fluid properties. Design calculations based upon the present results suggest that in large diameter pipelines, or in boundary layers on large objects, drag reduction may not be attainable under conditions of practical interest until fluids having relaxation times an order of magnitude larger than those presently available, but with comparable viscosity levels, are developed or, alternately, until fluids exhibiting Weissenberg numbers which do not change with deformation rate, can be found.
Testing for the rank ordering of the priorities of the alternatives in Saaty's ratio-scale method

Abstract Saaty uses ratio scale ( π 1 , π 2 ,…, π t ) for the values of the alternatives { T 1 , T 2 ,…, T t } for a decision problem. Here, π i / π j is the ratio of the priority of T i to that of T j . In this context, a specific rank ordering of the ratio scale is tested.
On the convexity of the value function in Bayesian optimal control problems

I study the question on the convexity of the value function and Blackwell (1951)'s Theorem and relate this to the uniqueness of optimal policies. The main results will conclude that strict convexity and a strict inequality in Blackwell's Theorem will hold if and only if from different priors different optimal actions may be chosen.
Semantic abstraction rules for class diagrams

When dealing with object-oriented models like class and object diagrams, designers easily get overwhelmed by large numbers of model elements and their interdependencies. To deal with the complexities of large-scale software models, this paper presents rules and methods for automated abstraction. Our approach is tool supported and allows designers to periodically "zoom out" of a model to investigate and reason about its bigger picture. Our technique has also proven to be well-suited for consistency checking and reverse engineering.
Scheduling real-time dwells using tasks with synthetic periods

This paper addresses the problem of scheduling real-time dwells in multi-function phase array radar systems. To keep track of targets, a radar system must meet its timing and energy constraints. We propose a new task model for radar dwells to accurately characterize their timing parameters. We develop an algorithm of transforming every dwell task as a semi-period task so the dwell task can meet its timing constraint and the interarrival times of the task will not be a constant. We also develop an enhanced template-based scheduling algorithm to schedule such tasks to meet the timing and energy constraints. Simulation results show that this algorithm can significantly improve the resource utilization.
Mutation and phosphorylation change the oligomeric structure of phospholamban in lipid bilayers

Phospholamban (PLB), a 52-residue protein integral to the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum, is a key regulator of the Ca pump. PLB has been shown to form pentamers in the denaturing detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), but its oligomeric state in the natural environment of the lipid membrane remains unknown. In order to address this issue, we performed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments on two types of lipid-reconstituted, recombinant PLB: wild type (WT PLB) and a mutant substituted with alanine at leucine 37 (L37A PLB), whose propensity to oligomerize in SDS is greatly diminished. The lipid used in reconstitution was dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) doped with a phospholipid spin-label that detects protein contact. EPR spectroscopy was used to determine the fraction of the total lipid molecules in contact with PLB. Our results show that, in phospholipid bilayers, WT PLB is oligomeric (effective oligomeric size of 3.52 +/- 0.71), while L37A PLB is monomeric (effective oligomeric size of 1.15 +/- 0.15). Thus, the oligomeric states of these proteins in the lipid membrane are remarkably similar to those in SDS solution. In particular, the point mutation in L37A PLB greatly destabilizes the PLB oligomer. Phosphorylation of PLB by protein kinase A, which has been shown to relieve inhibition of the cardiac Ca pump, changes the lipid-PLB interactions, decreasing the number of lipids restricted by contact with protein. The results are consistent with a phosphorylation-dependent increase of the effective oligomer size of WT PLB from 3.52 to 5.34 and of L37A PLB from 1.15 to 1.91. These phosphorylation effects were abolished in a medium with a high ionic strength. We conclude that the oligomeric states of PLB in lipid membranes are in a dynamic equilibrium that is perturbed by phosphorylation due to reduced electrostatic repulsion among PLB protomers.
Cross-Course Projects: Teaching Students on Changing Business Communication Methods.

The current business environment requires various communication skills to succeed. The skills include the use of a number of technologies that were not available 20 years ago. For this research, students were required to complete a project with students not in their own class using alternative communication methods. A questionnaire was administered to the students after completion of the project and the results are presented in this paper.
The relationship between morphogenetic cell death and the development of congenital anophthalmia

Glucksmann ('51) observed that during normal mammalin ocular morphogenesis large numbers of cells become necrotic and are resorbed within the eye rudiment prior to and during invagination of the optic cup. Silver and Hughes ('73) observed that these resorptions are largely confined to the ventral aspect of the optic rudiment where the optic fissure subsequently forms. Evidence for the role of cell death during fissure formation and other morphogenetic events during eye development has remained unclear, however, since the quantity of degenerate cells cannot be selectively controlled in developing tissue by experimental means (Saunders, '66). Chase et al. ('41a) described a congenitally anophthalmic strain of mice in which, he proposed, retarded growth of the eye vesicle and the consequent failure of lens induction result in approximately 90% eyeless and 10% microphthalmic neonates. Upon reexamination of a sequence of embryos of the eyeless strain it was observed that during the earliest stages of ocular morphogenesis the regular sequence of necrotic loci, which Silver and Hughes ('73) have described in rat and other mammalin embryos, is entirely lacking. Our observations suggest that the first recognizable divergence between the morphology of timed mutant (strain zrdct-an) and control embryos (strain C57BL/6J) occurs during apposition of the optic vesicle and surface ectoderm but prior to the development of the retinal thickening and lens placode. In control embryos mesenchyme which becomes entrapped between the prospective retina and lens becomes necrotic and is resorbed. Conversely, in eyeless embryos the surfaces of the presumptive retina and lens, while closely apposed, are separated by variable numbers of mesenchymal cells which remain viable and can undergo mitoses throughout development. The failure of mesenchymal cells to degenerate may lead to the reduction in size of both retina and lens primordia. Contrary to Chase's ('41a) observations, in all anophthalmic embryos contact between the optic vesicle and lens epithelium is eventually established and a lens of variable size is induced. In most cases, however, the lens is displaced from the eye chamber by proliferation of the mesenchymal cell mass and the optic rudiment is subsequently resorbed. In the remaining embryos which presumably will become microphthalmic the lens reaches a critical dimension and is retained within the eye cup. In them, although cell death is absent from within the developing eye vesicle and cup, invagination can proceed as far as the retinal fissure stage. However, the optic fissure does not form. These observations suggest that there may be a relationship between morphogenetic cell death, formation of the optic fissure, and the production of severe congenital eye defects.
Triggering Nationalist Violence: Competition and Conflict in Uprisings against Colonial Rule

Nationalist conflict has been one of the most pervasive and intractable types of conflict in the modern era. In some places, nationalist conflict has entailed lengthy wars, terrorist campaigns, and rural insurgency. Yet in many others, nationalist organizations have pursued peaceful strategies, engaging in bargaining, diplomacy, and popular protest. Why do some nationalist movements turn violent, whereas others remain primarily peaceful? Drawing on nationalist struggles against the French colonial empire, the competitive violence theory posits that violence was primarily driven by competition among nationalists. Nationalist violence erupted when colonial states pursued policies to restrict nationalist opposition and repress leading nationalists, creating a leadership vacuum and encouraging new nationalist actors to use violence to vie for influence. The competitive violence theory exemplifies an approach that can explain variation in both the timing and location of violence.
An intellectual property core to detect task schedulling-related faults in RTOS-based embedded systems

The use of Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOSs) became an attractive solution to simplify the design of safety-critical real-time embedded systems. Due to their stringent constraints such as battery-powered, high-speed and low-voltage operation, these systems are often subject to transient faults originated from a large spectrum of noisy sources, among them, the conducted and radiated Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). As the major consequence, the system's reliability degrades. In this paper, we present a hardware-based intellectual property (IP) core, namely RTOS-Guardian (RTOS-G) able to monitor the RTOS' execution in order to detect faults that corrupt the tasks' execution flow in embedded systems based on preemptive RTOS. Experimental results based on the Plasma microprocessor IP core running different test programs that exploit several RTOS resources have been developed. During test execution, the proposed system was exposed to conducted EMI according to the international standard IEC 61.000–4–29 for voltage dips, short interruptions and voltage transients on the power supply lines of electronic systems. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed approach is able to provide higher fault coverage and reduced fault latency when compared to the native fault detection mechanisms embedded in the kernel of the RTOS.
Mock Clinic An Approach to Clinical Education

This paper presents a new clinical education experience initiated at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. A Mock Clinic was developed that simulates a real-life physical therapy department: students adopt roles of both physical therapist and patient. Each student is student-therapist and student-patient at least once each session. At the beginning of each session, the student-therapist selects a patient treatment card (containing instructions submitted by academic and clinical faculty members) and a faculty supervisor discusses the role of the patient with the student-patient to assist him in accurately displaying signs and symptoms. The student-therapist alos meets with the faculty supervisor to review the patient and the approach. The student-therapist then "evaluates" and "treats" the student-patient. A group discussion concludes each session. Mock Clinic is a role-playing experience that provides the opportunity for students to see themselves in clinical situations and enables them to learn without involving real clients. Strengths and weaknesses of Mock Clinic identified by all participants are discussed.
SILICON UPTAKE BY ALGAE WITH NO KNOWN Si REQUIREMENT. II. STRONG pH DEPENDENCE OF UPTAKE KINETIC PARAMETERS IN PHAEODACTYLUM TRICORNUTUM (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1

Silicon uptake kinetics of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Bohlin) were examined at pH 8.8 ± 0.1 and pH 9.1 ± 0.1. Uptake follows hyperbolic saturation kinetics at both pH's, but at the higher pH the half-saturation constant for uptake is 11.8 μM, as opposed to 54.8 μM at the lower pH. When the uptake rate is examined as a function of the calculated concentration of the monovalent conjugate base, SiO(OH)3−, the half-saturation constant for uptake is 6.6 μM at either pH.
3 For Life: a model pilot program to prevent hepatitis B virus infection and liver cancer in Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.

Abstract Purpose. 3 For Life aims to increase hepatitis B virus (HBV) awareness and reduce the high prevalence of undiagnosed chronic HBV infection and susceptibility among Asian/Pacific Islander (API) adults. Design. This pilot program offered low-cost HBV vaccination with free HBV testing targeted primarily at foreign-born Chinese adults. Setting. Semimonthly screening and vaccination clinics were held in San Francisco, California, for 1 year. Subjects. A total of 1206 adults accessed the program. Intervention. Participants paid a discounted fee for a full vaccine series against HBV, hepatitis A virus (HAV), or both. Participants also provided blood samples for HBV serologic testing. Test results, recommendations, and appointment reminders were provided by mail. Measures. We compared the probability of completing a recommended vaccine series by HBV serologic status and sociodemographic characteristics. Analysis. Proportions were compared using multivariate logistic regression models. Results. Nine perce...
Inducement of Enlarged Hearts and Muscular Dystrophy in Turkey Poults With Dietary Silver

Abstract Five experiments were conducted to determine the effect of adding silver acetate or nitrate to practical diets on growth of Large White turkey poults and incidence of pathological signs. The highest level of silver (900 p.p.m.) depressed growth rate, reduced packed cell volume, slightly reduced hemoglobin level and caused cardiac enlargement. The high silver level also induced a varying incidence of degeneration of the gizzard musculature which was completely prevented by adding 1 p.p.m. selenium or partially by adding 50 I.U. vitamin E/kg. diet. The anemia was of the microcytic, hyperchromic type and was not prevented by selenium or vitamin E. A high percentage of the enlarged hearts had a rounded apex similar to that observed in round heart disease in turkeys. Feeding different basal diets containing silver showed that one having 10% distillers’ dried solubles prevented the enlarged hearts. Copper at 50 p.p.m. completely reversed the effects of silver on growth rate, blood and cardiac tissue but 5 p.p.m. was inadequate. The results show that a high level of silver induced both a copper and selenium deficiency when added to practical diets for turkey poults.z
Distinctive physical effects and applications approaching the relativistic lambda-cubed regime

Using small amounts of optical energy, it is possible to drive matter with relativistic intensity. We show unique energy transport properties, X-ray production, and efficient attosecond phenomena coming from microscopic plasmas driven by precisely focused ultrashort pulses of light.
Network analysis applied to large-scale cyber-ecosystems

Network analysis is an important methodology that has been applied in systems ecology. Many theoretical insights have arisen from this approach, primarily the importance of indirect relations in ecosystems and the holistic determination of ecological relations. This approach, adopted from economic input–output analysis, treats systems as interconnected nodes and arcs of material or energy transfer. Due to the difficulty in quantifying large-scale, complex models, most ecological network models are aggregated or lumped models of a few general characteristics. Therefore, the resultant theory was tested using small-scale models with only a small number of compartments. Here, I present a way to develop large-scale cyber-models in order to test four of the main hypotheses of network analysis using models with a large number of compartments. The results show that the hypotheses are affected by model size. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
GUT PARTICLE SPECTRUM FROM HETEROTIC COMPACTIFICATION

This review intends to introduce the reader to the general methodology of computing GUT particle spectrum from compactifying the E8 × E8 heterotic string on smooth Calabi–Yau threefolds endowed with stable vector bundles. We use the spectral construction for the bundle and show, with illustrative examples, how one computes the requisite cohomology groups that determine the spectrum. Moreover, physical constraints lead to an algorithmic classification scheme. Finally, we will see the fascinating moduli-dependence, a so-called jumping phenomenon, of the particle spectra.
Unraveling irradiation induced grain growth with in situ transmission electron microscopy and coordinated modeling

Nanostructuring has been proposed as a method to enhance radiation tolerance, but many metallic systems are rejected due to significant concerns regarding long term grain boundary and interface stability. This work utilized recent advancements in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to quantitatively characterize the grain size, texture, and individual grain boundary character in a nanocrystalline gold model system before and after in situ TEM ion irradiation with 10 MeV Si. The initial experimental measurements were fed into a mesoscale phase field model, which incorporates the role of irradiation-induced thermal events on boundary properties, to directly compare the observed and simulated grain growth with varied parameters. The observed microstructure evolution deviated subtly from previously reported normal grain growth in which some boundaries remained essentially static. In broader terms, the combined experimental and modeling techniques presented herein provide future avenues to enhance quantification and prediction of the thermal, mechanical, or radiation stability of grain boundaries in nanostructured crystalline systems.
Classifying a smoker scale in adult daily and nondaily smokers

INTRODUCTION Smoker identity, or the strength of beliefs about oneself as a smoker, is a robust marker of smoking behavior. However, many nondaily smokers do not identify as smokers, underestimating their risk for tobacco-related disease and resulting in missed intervention opportunities. Assessing underlying beliefs about characteristics used to classify smokers may help explain the discrepancy between smoking behavior and smoker identity. This study examines the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the Classifying a Smoker scale among a racially diverse sample of adult smokers. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was administered through an online panel survey service to 2,376 current smokers who were at least 25 years of age. The sample was stratified to obtain equal numbers of 3 racial/ethnic groups (African American, Latino, and White) across smoking level (nondaily and daily smoking). RESULTS The Classifying a Smoker scale displayed a single factor structure and excellent internal consistency (α = .91). Classifying a Smoker scores significantly increased at each level of smoking, F(3,2375) = 23.68, p < .0001. Those with higher scores had a stronger smoker identity, stronger dependence on cigarettes, greater health risk perceptions, more smoking friends, and were more likely to carry cigarettes. Classifying a Smoker scores explained unique variance in smoking variables above and beyond that explained by smoker identity. CONCLUSIONS The present study supports the use of the Classifying a Smoker scale among diverse, experienced smokers. Stronger endorsement of characteristics used to classify a smoker (i.e., stricter criteria) was positively associated with heavier smoking and related characteristics. Prospective studies are needed to inform prevention and treatment efforts.
The serotonin syndrome revisited.

Serotonin syndrome (SS), a potentially fatal adverse drug reaction caused by drug-induced excess of intrasynaptic serotonin, is more common now that the drugs that have an impact on the serotonergic system are increasingly prescribed, either alone or in combination. Another reason may be related to its enhanced recognition in recent years, although many physicians are still unaware of SS as a clinical diagnosis. Moreover, a wider availability of drugs affecting the cytochrome P450 enzymes (especially CYP2D6 and CYP3A4) resulting in increased propensity for drug interactions impacting the serotonergic system may also be to blame. A single therapeutic dose of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) has been known to cause SS. However, most of the severe manifestations of SS have been precipitated by drug combinations. These interactions are either pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic in nature, the latter primarily involving induction or inhibition of the cytochrome P450 enzymes responsible for metabolism of the drugs in question. Several isolated case reports and case series documenting such interactions have recently been published. This issue of the Journal describes 4 such probable cases in a long-term care facility. In order to reach a diagnosis of serotonin syndrome, a history of use of a serotonergic agent, recognized signs and symptoms, and the exclusion of other conditions are required. Serotonin syndrome involves mental, autonomic, and neurological disorders of sudden onset usually occurring less than 24 hours after the beginning of treatment or an overdose.
Optical protection cost of IP fast reroute on a fully connected IP network over a WDM ring

Optical protection bandwidth costs for IP fast reroute for a fully connected IP network over a WDM ring is reduced with failure notifications from the WDM network. The costs are compared with MPLS fast reroute.