cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Performance of the Upper Limb scores correlate with pulmonary function test measures and Egen Klassifikation scores in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

The Performance of the Upper Limb scale was developed as an outcome measure specifically for ambulant and non-ambulant patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and is implemented in clinical trials needing longitudinal data. The aim of this study is to determine whether this novel tool correlates with functional ability using pulmonary function test, cardiac function test and Egen Klassifikation scale scores as clinical measures. In this cross-sectional study, 43 non-ambulatory Duchenne males from ages 10 to 30 years and on long-term glucocorticoid treatment were enrolled. Cardiac and pulmonary function test results were analyzed to assess cardiopulmonary function, and Egen Klassifikation scores were analyzed to assess functional ability. The Performance of the Upper Limb scores correlated with pulmonary function measures and had inverse correlation with Egen Klassifikation scores. There was no correlation with left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular dysfunction. Body mass index and decreased joint range of motion affected total Performance of the Upper Limb scores and should be considered in clinical trial designs.
Molecular Breeding for Tolerance to Abiotic/Edaphic Stresses in Forage and Turfgrass

Perennial grasses will always be subject to fluctuating multiple environmental and soil-related stresses. In most cases, from 100–1000 genes must function to activate the mechanisms governing these stresses. The first target of both conventional and biotechnology breeding efforts should be focused on root system improvement. The first line of defense in grass plant adaptation to these stresses is root plasticity (functional root volume maintenance and viability under cyclic stresses). As stress tolerance mechanisms are better understood, gene technology can be integrated with traditional breeding strategies to locate, sequence, clone, and comparatively map stress-responsive genes, hopefully leading to specific-trait marker assisted selection and overall multiple stress tolerance enhancement in forage and turfgrasses.
Conformation-function relationships in LHRH analogs. I. Conformations of LHRH peptide backbone.

Systematic energy calculations were performed for a series of LHRH analogs including five agonists with substitutions of d- or N-Me-amino acid residues in positions 4, 6 and 7, and five antagonists with substitutions of d-, N-Me- or α-Me-amino acid residues in positions 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 10, as well as a bicyclic LHRH antagonist. The geometrical shapes of the calculated low-energy backbone structures for each compound were compared to those of LHRH itself. It appeared that the β-II′ turn at the Tyr5-Gly6-Leu7-Arg8 central tetrapeptide is the common structure for all LHRH agonists considered. LHRH antagonists also possess a common chain reversal in the central tetrapeptide, but it is different from that for LHRH agonists. The LHRH agonists share a similar low-energy conformer at the level of the entire peptide backbone. A characteristic feature of this conformer is a ‘surface’ formed by a ‘polygon’ with hydrophobic moieties of pGlu1, Trp3, Tyr5, Leu7 and Pro9 in the corners and with the side chain of the His2 residue in the middle, the latter being crucial for a manifestation of LHRH agonistic activity. Since the N-terminal tripeptide of LHRH presumably participates in a direct interaction with specific receptors, it is legitimate to suggest that the β-II′ turn in the central tetrapeptide maintains the proper spatial arrangement of the N-terminal tripeptide. On the other hand, LHRH antagonists considered in this study were shown to possess low-energy structures, with the spatial arrangement of the residues in the N-terminal tripeptide similar to that of agonists. This would suggest a new approach to the design of LHRH antagonists, namely by stabilizing this specific arrangement, rather than the β-II′ turn in the central tetrapeptide.
Are international stock returns predictable?: An application of spectral shape tests corrected for heteroskedasticity

Abstract This paper uses spectral tests to examine whether international stock index returns are predictable using the history of the series. Unlike many other testing procedures, the spectral tests used in this paper are robust to distributional assumptions and the presence of time-varying volatility. We find little evidence to support predictability in most international stock markets, with a few exceptions. Canada's TSE 100, Italy's BIC, and the UK's FTSE 100 index returns do show a degree of predictability. The TSE 100 and BIC results are consistent with long-run mean reversion, while the FTSE 100 result is more consistent with short-run phenomena.
An Examination of the Effect of Seat Free-Play on Modal Analysis Results

With the amount of adjustability present in today's automotive seat, it is a given that some form of looseness and free-play will exist in the structure. The automotive seat community is commonly faced with free-play issues; this is a significant issue where modal analysis is concerned. Free-play creates a non-linear situation, causing a violation of the linear mathematics that modal analysis is based on. Obviously, this situation is not the ideal circumstances under which to perform modal testing and analysis, but 99.9% of the time, the receipt of better samples (reduced free-play) is not a likely option, and the test must still go on. Ideally, you would want to test this structure using random excitation with a shaker to minimize the nonlinearities and provide a repeatable input force. In reality, the Product Engineer has specified an impact test because it is faster and cheaper and the Test Engineer needs to produce the best results possible while being bound to the requested test method. This paper aims to experimentally document the findings and experiences of impact modal tests on seat structures that feature significant free-play in order to provide insight and reference for those who experience similar situations. Case studies will be presented that show the influence of free-play in the seat structure and general observations will be made about the systems.
Low-Latency Solutions for Financial Services Applications

This chapter discusses the optimization of latency sensitive applications, an especially important topic for certain financial applications. Using the example of a packet-processing engine, this chapter presents eight key optimization techniques that can significantly increase the performance of the application as well as help achieve the low latency solution required by this type of application. The optimizations include: API selection, write combining, writes are faster than reads, shadowing the head and tail pointers, reducing jitter with tickless kernels, thread affinity, memcpy, and power management options.
Genetic stability of the sarcoma viruses in murine and avian sarcoma virus‐transformed nonproducer cells

Clonal lines of murine and avion sarcoma virus-transformed mammalian cells, in which the viruses do not productively replicate, were studied for the occurrence of spontaneous or chemical-induced morphologic reversion. From over 10,000 single-cellderived clones of MSV-transformed nonproducer cells examined, only one morphologic revertant was detected. This cell line contained a normal murine sarcoma viral genome, suggesting that it arose as a result of mutation of a cellular gene involved in expression of the transformed state. The frequency of morphologic reversion of avian sarcoma virus-transformed mammalian cell lines was also investigated. The studies indicate that both murine and avian sarcoma viruses present in transformed nonproducer cells can exist in a genetically stable form.
Orientation dependence of the polar Kerr effect in fcc and hcp Co.

Anisotropy of the energy dependent polar magneto-optical Kerr effect as a function of the angle between the magnetization and crystallographic axes is reported. The results are obtained on epitaxially oriented opaque films of hcp Co grown in two different crystallographic orientations by molecular beam epitaxy. Respective Kerr spectra of fcc Co films are found to be insensitive to the magnetization direction. This Kerr anisotropy is correlated with the presence of strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy in the hcp phase of Co. A perturbation theory treatment of the spin orbit coupline correctly predicts the order of magnitude of this new effect.
The Meaning of Grades based on Faculty and Student Metaphors.

Communication about grades is a common source of anxiety and frustration for students and teachers alike. This study investigated one possible source of grade‐related conflict, viz., the differing perceptions students and teachers hold on what grades “mean.” The researchers analyzed 164 metaphors drawn from responses to two prompts: “What do grades mean to you ? “ and “Grades are like_____” in order to map the range of cognitive and affective meanings students and teachers assign to grades. Results of the study confirm stark differences between the two groups' perceptions of grades while underscoring the value of metaphor analysis as a tool for elucidating respondents' deeply felt central meanings.
The Cutback Issue: Administrators' Perceptions, Citizen Attitudes, and Administrative Behavior

Retrenchment decisions emphasize the effect of administrative structure and behavior on the in dividual, the work group, and the achievement of public organization goals. Utilizing data from a case study of Stamford, Connecticut, the findings in this article suggest that cutback manage ment heightens conflict in a pluralistic environment. A case is made for the crucial role of central staff in maintaining employee motivation and in reducing individual insecurity. Relative centralization of the existing structure is a key element of the capacity to respond successfully to cutback re quirements. A generally pessimistic picture emerges from the realization that most municipal govern ments are fragmented and highly political. The lack of capacity to plan strategically, an attribute of decentralized governments, defines the potential inability of an organization to confront signifi cant cutback issues.
PREVENTION OF E. COLI Kl INFECTION BY MATERNAL IMMUNIZATION WITH MANNOSE-S ENSITIVE (MS) PILI FROM E. COLI K1 OR KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE

PREVENTION OF E. COLI Kl INFECTION BY MATERNAL IMMUNIZATION WITH MANNOSE-S ENSITIVE (MS) PILI FROM E. COLI K1 OR KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE
Realizing the geothermal electricity potential—water use and consequences

Electricity from geothermal resources has the potential to supply a significant portion of US baseload electricity. We estimate the water requirements of geothermal electricity and the impact of potential scaling up of such electricity on water demand in various western states with rich geothermal resources but stressed water resources. Freshwater, degraded water, and geothermal fluid requirements are estimated explicitly. In general, geothermal electricity has higher water intensity (l kWh − 1) than thermoelectric or solar thermal electricity. Water intensity decreases with increase in resource enthalpy, and freshwater gets substituted by degraded water at higher resource temperatures. Electricity from enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) could displace 8–100% of thermoelectricity generated in most western states. Such displacement would increase stress on water resources if re-circulating evaporative cooling, the dominant cooling system in the thermoelectric sector, is adopted. Adoption of dry cooling, which accounts for 78% of geothermal capacity today, will limit changes in state-wide freshwater abstraction, but increase degraded water requirements. We suggest a research and development focus to develop advanced energy conversion and cooling technologies that reduce water use without imposing energy and consequent financial penalties. Policies should incentivize the development of higher enthalpy resources, and support identification of non-traditional degraded water sources and optimized siting of geothermal plants.
Transportation Vehicle/Beam-Elevated Guideway Dynamic Interactions: A State-of-the-Art Review

The importance of elevated guideway/vehicle dynamics to the design of advanced ground transportation systems is discussed and the general vehicle-suspension-guideway interaction problem is outlined. Simplifying assumptions valid for many practical beam-type elevated guideway systems are described including the Bernoulli-Euler beam assumptions, support conditions, and simplified vehicle models. The theoretical and experimental literature on beam-guideway/vehicle dynamics is reviewed and recent computer-based analytical techniques (lumped mass, finite difference and modal analysis) are discussed. Available simulation programs are described and published results for wheeled, air cushion and magnetically levitated vehicles operating over beam-elevated guideways are reviewed. The influences of critical system parameters on guideway deflection and vehicle vibrational acceleration (ride comfort) are illustrated through simple limiting case analyses. Low ratios of vehicle-suspension to guideway natural frequency and distribution of vehicle weight over finite pressure pads as in air or magnetic suspensions reduce guideway structural requirements for specified ride comfort. Continuous guideway beams on simple supports provide lower static deflection and greater dynamic range than simply supported single or multiple span beams. Severe resonance problems which may occur in synchronous vehicle systems are illustrated using a point-force vehicle model.
Survey and Control of the Boll Weevil in West Texas with Traps Baited with Males

Traps baited with live male Anthonomus gandis Boheman were effective for surveying populations of overwintered and migrating boll weevils, but in midseason, competition from males in fruiting cotton and decreased movement of weevils from field to field reduced the effectiveness. The larger catches observed in all areas from about Aug. 20 indicated that dispersal of weevils occurred at this time. Traps placed in and around a field of cotton in an area heavily infested with boll weevils captured > 4000 overwintered boll weevils per cotton acre but failed to reduce populations because the weevils in the traps could not compete with the large number of native weevils in the cotton. Traps placed in and around a field of cotton in an area with a small population of weevils (inside the Texas High Plains reproduction-diapause control zone) captured enough overwintered boll weevils to suppress the population until dispersal began. Thus, the pheromone of the male boll weevil is a potential tool for future survey, control, and eradication programs, but the population of overwintered weevils must be reduced throughout a large area before the traps can prevent buildup of populations to damaging levels or accomplish eradication.
PHEV engine operational considerations for criteria emissions control and low fuel consumption

As one part of a large research program in plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs), Argonne National Laboratory has tested many conventional, hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles. Data were examined from several low-volume aftermarket PHEVs. Found in the study were trade-offs between minimizing emissions and reducing fuel consumption (by using more electrical propulsion). Key to successful emissions control is how the engine is operated during initial start, warm-up, and restart. Temperature management for engine restart is also important. Some data from charge-sustaining operation are contrasted with the charge-depleting results. The challenges in describing blended-PHEV fuel consumption are explored. This paper will examine the interesting challenges unique to blended-type PHEVs, illustrated with test data from several test vehicles.
An Off-Lattice Hybrid Discrete-Continuum Model of Tumor Growth and Invasion

We have developed an off-lattice hybrid discrete-continuum (OLHDC) model of tumor growth and invasion. The continuum part of the OLHDC model describes microenvironmental components such as matrix-degrading enzymes, nutrients or oxygen, and extracellular matrix (ECM) concentrations, whereas the discrete portion represents individual cell behavior such as cell cycle, cell-cell, and cell-ECM interactions and cell motility by the often-used persistent random walk, which can be depicted by the Langevin equation. Using this framework of the OLHDC model, we develop a phenomenologically realistic and bio/physically relevant model that encompasses the experimentally observed superdiffusive behavior (at short times) of mammalian cells. When systemic simulations based on the OLHDC model are performed, tumor growth and its morphology are found to be strongly affected by cell-cell adhesion and haptotaxis. There is a combination of the strength of cell-cell adhesion and haptotaxis in which fingerlike shapes, characteristic of invasive tumor, are observed.
Changes in discharge rate of epileptogenic foci during active and passive changes in urinary bladder pressure in cats

Abstract The activity of cortical epileptogenic foci induced by focal freezing and topical administration of penicillin was monitored in cats during various phases of alterations in urinary bladder pressure produced by detrusor contractions and passive distention. The control epileptiform spike discharge rate was decreased during all phases of detrusor contractions and during the filling phase of passive distension. In contrast, the spike rate was increased during all remaining phases of passive distension. It was concluded that changes in bladder pressure can modulate the activity of cortical epileptogenic foci. It is suggested that suppression of spike rate is the result of the desynchronizing effects of afferent input related to bladder pressure changes. Motor activity related to detrusor contraction may have a similar, but lesser, effect, and may also produce the precontraction suppression. Enhancement of cortical epileptiform discharge rate may be due to a synchronizing “rebound” effect produced by a sudden reduction of high suppressive levels of afferent activity to very low or zero levels.
Linkage and redox isomerism in ruthenium complexes of catecholate, semi-quinone, and o-acylphenolate ligands derived from tri- and tetrahydroxy-9,10-anthracenediones

The complexes Ru(CO)(2)L(2)(PHAQ-2H) (PHAQ = 1,2,4-trihydroxy-9,10-anthracenedione (PUR), 1,2,3- trihydroxy-9,10-anthracenedione (AG), and 1,2,5,8-tetrahydroxy-9,10-anthracenedione (QAL); L = PPh(3), PCy(3), PBu(3)), and Ru(CO)(dppe)(PBu(3))(PHAQ-2H), containing catecholate-type ligands were prepared. The complex Ru(CO)(2)(PBu(3))(2)(AG-2H) crystallizes in the space group P2(1)/n (No. 14 var) with a = 13.317(2), b = 15.628(2), c = 21.076(3) A, beta = 101.660(10) degrees, Z = 4; the crystal structure shows it to contain a 2,3-catecholate ligand. The electrochemistry of these complexes was examined, and the semi-quinone complexes [Ru(CO)(2)L(2)(PHAQ-2H)](1+) and [Ru(CO)(dppe)(PBu(3))(PHAQ-2H)](1+) were generated by chemical oxidation. One example of an o-acylphenolate complex, HRu(CO)(PCy(3))(2)(PUR-H), is also reported.
Interconnection network organization and its impact on performance and cost in shared memory multiprocessors

Abstract Interconnection network organization has a significant impact on multiprocessor system performance. However, detailed and comprehensive studies of the performance and the effect of different organizations are virtually non-existent. In this study, three interconnection network organizations are evaluated as part of a cache-based shared memory multiprocessor system: tori, multistage and single-stage shuffle-exchange networks. A system size is limited to 256 or fewer processors, a range where wiring constraints can be largely ignored. The performance impact of topology choice and switch size and channel width are studied under three different constraints: fixed switch size and channel width, constant number of switch pins, and constant network cost. The cost model reflects switch size and channel width. We find that after a certain point the performance advantage of wider channels becomes small, and the network topology and switch size become the determining parameters. Our results show that the multistage network is the best network topology if cost is not the main limiting factor. Otherwise, the single-stage network is the most cost-effective network topology. 2-D torus networks are seriously limited in terms of performance and cost. The dimension of torus networks needs to be larger than 2 in order to have a reasonable relative performance vis-a-vis networks of other topologies.
Predictive genetics in primary care: expectations for the motivational impact of genetic testing affects the importance family physicians place on screening for familial cancer risk.

Predictive genetics in primary care: Expectations for the motivational impact of genetic testing affects the importance family physicians place on screening for familial cancer risk
Spontaneous association of glial cells with regrowing neurites in mixed cultures of dissociated spiral ganglia.

Abstract Evidence from developmental and regeneration studies of the cochlea and other tissues gives reason to hypothesize a role for nonneural cells in the growth and regeneration of cochlear spiral ganglion nerve fibers. We examined the spontaneous associations of regrowing neurites and nonneural cells in mixed cultures of dissociated newborn mouse spiral ganglia. After 7 days in vitro , nonneural cells formed a confluent layer in the culture well. Regrowing neurites grew atop this layer, forming non-uniform patterns that were similar to those formed by endogenously expressed laminin-1, entactin and integrin β4, but not fibronectin or tenascin. In cultures grown for 42 h and maintained in three different growth media, all regrowing neurites were preferentially associated with spindle-shaped nonneural cells. The spindle-shaped cells incorporated bromodeoxyuridine in culture and were immunoreactive for the proteins S100, laminin-1, laminin-2, SRY-related high-mobility-group box 10 transcription factor (Sox10), neurotrophin receptor (P75) and connexin29 but negative for fibronectin and glial fibrillary acidic protein. These cells existed in the culture within a much larger, general population of fibronectin positive cells. Immunolabeling of fixed cochleas from neonatal mice localized Sox10, P75 and connexin29, to peripheral nerve bundles. The observed expressions of protein markers and the bipolar, spindle shape of the neurite-associated cells indicate that they are derived in vitro from the original Schwann or satellite cells in the ganglion or spiral lamina. The spontaneous and preferential association of neurites in culture with mitotic Schwann cells highlights the potential contribution neurite–Schwann cell interactions may have in promoting the growth and regrowth of damaged spiral ganglion neurons in the cochlea.
Relative Resistance of Newborn Mice to Poliomyelitis Virus.

SummaryThe Lansing strain of poliomyelitis virus, unlike other neurotropic viruses in mice, produced the disease more readily and rapidly in mature mice than in newborn animals. The relative resistance of the newborn manifested itself by prolonged incubation periods and survival times after onset of paralysis in those inoculated with larger amounts of virus (170 LD50), and by a failure to develop the disease following the intracerebral inoculation of smaller amounts (2-17 LD50). The prolongation in incubation period was most marked in mice inoculated at 1, 2 and 3 days of age, was still definite but progressively less marked in those tested at 4 to 7 days of age, while suckling mice inoculated at 15 days of age exhibited incubation periods almost identical in their distribution with those of weaned, 21 to 35-day-old mice. The amount of intracerebrally inoculated virus required to initiate infection in newborn mice 1 to 3 days of age was 10 to 30 times greater than in 21- to 35-day-old mice. Although the i...
Explaining "Noise" as Environmental Variations in Population Dynamics

By integrating a population dynamic model with models of contaminant/stressor fate and transport and biological organism movement, researchers can capture the impact of spatial and temporal heterogeneity on population dynamics, and ultimately develop and implement improved management decisions and policies
Vascular-laboratory diagnosis of clinically suspected acute deep-vein thrombosis.

Abstract Doppler ultrasound, impedance plethysmography, and contrast venography were performed in 207 lower limbs suspected of harbouring deep-venous thrombosis, to clarify the diagnostic value and limitations of the non-invasive methods. Doppler ultrasound and impedance plethysmography were accurate in 96% and 95% of normal limbs, respectively. In limbs with venographic evidence of thrombosis requiring treatment, Doppler ultrasound and impedance plethysmography correctly detected thrombosis in 60% and 97%, respectively. Doppler ultrasound was 97% accurate in recognising chronic venous insufficiency. Impedance plethysmography was incorrectly positive in 74% of limbs with chronic venous insufficiency which had no venographically detected thrombosis. These findings suggest that, for the accurate diagnosis of clinically suspected deep-vein thrombosis, venography is necessary only in patients with chronic venous insufficiency who have normal Doppler ultrasound tests and abnormal impedance plethysmograms and in patients with abnormal cardiac haemodynamics. In this series, 86% of limbs would have been spared venography had non-invasive tests been used. Venography, however, remains the standard test for the detection of minor calf-vein thrombosis. A diagnostic and therapeutic schema is proposed.
Effects of verapamil and dexamethasone on the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-mediated calcium absorptive mechanism in the organ-cultured embryonic chick duodenum.

Abstract 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ) is known to induce the biosynthesis of a specific, calcium-bincling protein (CaBP) and to stimulate calcium transport in the organ-cultured embryonic chick duodenum. The biosynthesis of CaBP has been shown previously to exhibit an absolute dependence on the ambient calcium concentration of the culture medium. Verapamil, a calcium-channel blocker, decreased calcium influx into the organ-cultured duodenum and inhibited the induction of CaBP by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 . Raising ambient calcium concentrations to as high as 10 mM did not prevent or reverse the inhibitory actions of verapamil. Dexamethasone, known to augment CaBP biosynthesis and calcium uptake in the organ-cultured duodenum in response to 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 , largely prevented inhibition of CaBP by verapamil. The actions of verapamil and dexamethasone were correlated with altered steady-state calcium concentrations of the organ-culture duodenum, strongly supporting a regulatory role of calcium in the 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 -mediated, intestinal calcium absorptive mechanism.
Water stress and hybridization between Quercus gambelii and Quercus grisea

Abstract The historical and environmental forces involved in determining the geographic location of plant hybrid zones have long been of interest. Often hybrid zones appear to be intimately tied to the environment, yet because many abiotic factors covary it is often difficult to understand which are truly the most important in maintaining the position and structure of a hybrid zone. This study uses empirical data and modeling analyses to examine whether abiotic factors are responsible for the location and structure of an oak (Quercus) hybrid zone and, if so, which factors are the most important. Specifically, leaf trait measurements and ecological niche models were used to test the hypothesis that water availability plays a primary role in promoting and maintaining the location of hybridization between 2 species. Leaf trait analyses and ecological niche models both supported the hypothesis that water availability determines the location and structure of the hybrid zone. These findings lend support for the...
Undergraduate conceptions of the field of computer science

Students come to CS from a variety of backgrounds and with a variety of preconceptions. Some initially select CS with a very vague idea of the field they are majoring in. In this paper, I describe CS undergraduates' view of the field of Computer Science. The approach was qualitative and cognitive: I studied what students think CS is and how students reasoned about their courses and curriculum. Through the use of grounded theory in 37 qualitative interviews with students and student advisors, I extracted three different conceptions about CS found in undergraduate CS majors using Grounded Theory. Overall, students had reasonable views of CS at a high level but lacked specifics. Students had difficulty describing subfields of CS or anticipating the content of courses they selected.
Magic angle sample spinning in inhomogeneously broadened biological systems.

Recent advances in magic angle sample spinning experiments now permit observation of dilute spin high resolution n.m.r. spectra of arbitrary powder samples. In the `slow-spinning' regime, for which the spinning rate is less than the size of the interaction that is being averaged, the spectra exhibit rotational side bands whose intensities contain information on chemical shift anisotropies. A technique for extracting shift anisotropies from side band intensities is discussed. Since many biologically interesting systems are solid or semi-solid in nature, this technique should find wide application to biological systems. Two illustrations of the point are given in this paper, namely, n.m.r. studies of membranes and of the phosphate-containing phases of bone.
The synthesis of long-chain fatty acids from acetate in flax, Linum usitatissimum L.

Abstract An in vitro system was produced in which developing flax fruits utilize acetate-1-C 14 to synthesize long-chain fatty acids. Upon separation and degradation of the individual fatty acids synthesized in vitro , the greatest radioactivity was found in the odd-numbered carbon atoms. These results show that palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids are each formed in flax by multiple condensation of acetate.
Entry of microbes into the host: using M cells to break the mucosal barrier

Enteric microbial pathogens interact with the gut epithelium to establish infection. Recently, it has become clear that many microorganisms that colonize or traverse the intestinal mucosa do so via the specialized M cells. Recent work has shown that Shigella flexneri and Salmonella typhimurium specifically target M cells to initiate infection of the host.
Effect of Vermiculite in Maintaining Milk Fat Test on Low-Roughage Rations

Abstract A continuous 13-week feeding experiment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of adding 5 or 10% vermiculite to a standard fat-depressing pelleted ration in maintaining normal milk fat test. Three groups of four cows each were fed the following experimental rations at the ratio of three parts of grain to one part of hay with the feeding level based on National Research Council calculated total digestible nutrient requirements: I, hay + FDP; II, hay + fat-depressing pelleted ration with 5% added vermiculite; III, hay + fat-depressing pelleted ration with 10% added vermiculite. The percentage of milk fat during the control period was 3.0, 3.1, 3.2% for Groups I, II, III, respectively, compared to 1.6, 1.9, and 2.3% during experimental period. There were no significant differences between treatment groups in ability to maintain milk fat percentage. There were no significant differences in dry matter intake between groups. All cows in Groups II and III consumed vermiculite at both levels with no apparent difficulty. Groups II and III maintained a higher (P
Use of Microbial β-Lactamase to Destroy Penicillin Added to Milk

A simple method is described for destruction of penicillin residues in bulk milk to an undetectable amount (less than .003 U/ml) with commercially available crude beta-lactamase enzyme. Milk containing .1 or .5 U/ml penicillin G was treated with .01 to 1.0 mU/ml of beta-lactamase (Bacillus cereus) for up to 96 h. The Bacillus stearothermophilus var. calidolactis assay was used to quantify penicillin in milk between .003 to 1.0 U/ml. The .5 U/ml of penicillin G was reduced to an undetectable amount within 18 h at 4 degrees C by 1.0 mU/ml of beta-lactamase. The development of titratable acidity over 5 to 6 h in contaminated milks treated with beta-lactamase and inoculated with Streptococcus thermophilus GH, Streptococcus cremoris, Streptococcus lactis, or a commercial starter culture was the same as for control milk samples containing no additives or only enzyme. Pilot-scale manufacture of Swiss and Cheddar cheeses from contaminated milks treated with beta-lactamase yielded cheeses of comparable quality, to control cheeses produced from penicillin-free milk. There were no delays in acid production as judged from pH measurements during production and ripening of the cheeses. About 50% of beta-lactamase activity added to milk remained after pasteurization at 63 degrees C for 30 min. The safety for human consumption of cheese containing small quantities of penicillin degradation products from milk treated with beta-lactamase remains to be established.
Regulation of surface localization of the small conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channel, Sk2, through direct phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase

Small conductance, Ca2+-activated voltage-independent potassium channels (SK channels) are widely expressed in diverse tissues; however, little is known about the molecular regulation of SK channel subunits. Direct alteration of ion channel subunits by kinases is a candidate mechanism for functional modulation of these channels. We find that activation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) with forskolin (50 microm) causes a dramatic decrease in surface localization of the SK2 channel subunit expressed in COS7 cells due to direct phosphorylation of the SK2 channel subunit. PKA phosphorylation studies using the intracellular domains of the SK2 channel subunit expressed as glutathione S-transferase fusion protein constructs showed that both the amino-terminal and carboxyl-terminal regions are PKA substrates in vitro. Mutational analysis identified a single PKA phosphorylation site within the amino-terminal of the SK2 subunit at serine 136. Mutagenesis and mass spectrometry studies identified four PKA phosphorylation sites: Ser465 (minor site) and three amino acid residues Ser568, Ser569, and Ser570 (major sites) within the carboxyl-terminal region. A mutated SK2 channel subunit, with the three contiguous serines mutated to alanines to block phosphorylation at these sites, shows no decrease in surface expression after PKA stimulation. Thus, our findings suggest that PKA phosphorylation of these three sites is necessary for PKA-mediated reorganization of SK2 surface expression.
Radar target classification using morphological image processing

Morphological operators are commonly used in image processing. We study their suitability for use in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image enhancement and target classification. Morphological operations are nonlinear operators defined by set theory. The dilation and erosion operations grow or shrinkimage features that match to a predefined structuring element. The opening and closing operations are combinations of successive dilation and erosion. These morphological operations can visually emphasize scattering of interest in an image. We investigate whether these operations can also improve target classification performance. The operators are nonlinear and image dependent; thus we cannot predict performance without empirical testing. We test and evaluate the morphological operators using simulated and measured SAR data. Results show the dilation operator is most promising for increasing match score and separation between classes in the decision space.
The induction fo collagenase by thyroxine in resorbing tadpole tailfin in vitro

Abstract Explants of tailfin tissue from Rana pipiens or R. catesbiana undergo complete reepithelialization of the cut surfaces (healing) in culture at 22°C. After reepithelialization, these healed explants maintain normal tissue organization in subsequent culture at either 22 or 37°C. When thyroxine is added to the medium of these healed explants, an organized resorption of the tissue occurs, characterized by a gradual loss of explant size and the loss of tissue collagen which is concomitant with the appearance of collagenase in the medium. These throxine-dependent changes occur at 22°C and, more rapidly, at 37°C. Control reepithelialized explants do not resorb, lose collagen or produce collagenase. In contrast, tailfin tissue from both species, when placed in culture at 37°C directly, fails to reepithelialize and undergoes massive resorption, independent of hormonal conditions. These findings indicate that collagenase is involved in the physiological removal of collagen from the resorbing tadpole tailfin and that the expression of collagenase activity is regulated by thyroxine.
IFN-gammaupregulates apoptosis-related molecules and enhances Fas-mediated apoptosis in human cholangiocarcinoma.

Human cholangiocarcinoma is a malignancy with no effective therapy and a poor prognosis. Previously, we demonstrated that cultured human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines heterogeneously express Fas on their surface, resulting in 2 subpopulations, Fas-high and Fas-low cells. Fas-low cells are resistant to apoptosis induced by Fas antibody and the calmodulin antagonists tamoxifen and trifluoperazine and are tumorigenic in nude mice (Pan et al., Am J Pathol 1999;155:193-203). Here, we show that IFN-gamma enhances apoptosis in both Fas-high and Fas-low cells. IFN-gamma upregulates many apoptosis-related molecules, including Fas, caspase-3, caspase-4, caspase-7, caspase-8 and Bak, in both cell lines. Pretreatment with IFN-gamma facilitated Fas-mediated caspase cleavage, cytochrome c release and Bax translocation. The ability of IFN-gamma to inhibit tumorigenesis of Fas-low cells was demonstrated in nude mice. Intratumoral injection of IFN-gamma decreased tumor volumes by 78%. These findings indicate that IFN-gamma modulates the apoptotic pathway by upregulating apoptosis-related genes. This renders tumorigenic Fas-low cholangiocarcinoma cells nontumorigenic and sensitive to Fas apoptosis, thus representing a possible therapeutic modality.
Nonbacterial pneumonia after allogeneic marrow transplantation: a review of ten years' experience

Pneumonia due to causes other than bacterial or fungal infection has been a frequent complication of allogeneic marrow transplantation. Data on 525 patients who received allogeneic marrow transplants during a 10-year period were reviewed. Of these patients, 41% developed pneumonia; this incidence was significantly higher than that among recipients of syngeneic (twin) transplants. Cytomegaloviral pneumonia (85 cases) and idiopathic pneumonia (63 cases) occurred most commonly. The incidence of pneumonia was higher among older patients, among patients who received transplants because of hematologic malignancy, and among patients with aplastic anemia who received total-body irradiation or procarbazine plus antithymocyte globulin for conditioning before transplantation. The development of cytomegaloviral pneumonia was unrelated to the serologic characteristics of either the patient or the donor before transplantation, and an increase in the titer of antibody to cytomegalovirus did not significantly improve the chances for survival. Mortality from all forms of pneumonia was high. Until effective means for prevention or treatment of cytomegaloviral and idiopathic pneumonia become available, the occurrence of these infections will continue to limit the success of allogeneic marrow transplantation.
Evidence for spin glass magnetism in the bulk magnetic properties of YBa2(Cu0.75Fe0.25)3O7+y

Abstract Spin glass magnetic properties are found in a ceramic sample of YBa 2 (Cu 0.75 Fe 0.25 ) 3 O 7+ y . These include a clear separation between the field cooled and zero field cooled magnetization vs temperature curves, a nonlinear M vs H magnetization curve, with hysteresis and a remanent moment, and a logarithmic time decay of the remanent moment. The freezing temperature of 36K is consistent with Mossbauer and neutron scattering experiments showing spin glass behavior in these materials. Finally an additional rather sharp magnetic transition is observed at 3.2 K.
Sol−Gel Template Synthesis of Semiconductor Oxide Micro- and Nanostructures

The template method for synthesizing nanostructures involves the synthesis of the desired material within the pores of a nanoporous membrane or other solid. Our work has involved using porous alumina and polymeric filter membranes as the templates. Fibrils or tubules of the desired material are formed within each pore of the template membrane. A number of synthetic methods have been used to synthesize these nanostructures. This paper reviews sol−gel template synthesis: the use of sol−gel chemistry to synthesize semiconductor oxide micro- and nanostructures within the pores of micro- and nanoporous membranes. For example, TiO2 nanotubules and nanofibers of the anatase form have been synthesized. The high surface area offered by these TiO2 nanostructures has been used for photodecomposition of salicylic acid in sunlight. Enzyme immobilization by stannous bridges inside the TiO2 tubes has also been studied. In addition, V2O5 fibrous electrode materials have been prepared by this method and Li intercalation ...
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-induced changes in β-adrenergic receptor binding in mouse cerebral cortex

Abstract The effects of 3 cannabinoids, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), 11-OH-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-Δ9-THC) and cannabinol (CBD) on the binding of [3H]dihydroalprenolol ([3H]DHA) to mouse brain β-adrenergic receptors were determined. In vitro, Δ9-THC and 11-OH-Δ9-THC increased the specific binding of [3H]DHA. The increased specific binding of [3H]DHA was due to an increase in receptor affinity as indicated by a decrease in the dissociation constant (Kd). CBD had no effect on binding. Chronic administration of Δ9-THC in vivo caused a decrease in the number of [3H]DHA binding sites with no change in Kd.
Productivity of European black alder (Alnus glutinosa) interplanted with black walnut (Juglans nigra) in illinois, U.S.A.

Fast-growing woody nurse crops planted among high value hardwoods can produce merchantable biomass early in the life of the plantation. On a productive site in south-central Illinois (U.S.A.), experimental interplantings of European black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) and black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) were established and maintained under a factorial combination of two initial densities and two thinning regimes. This study evaluated the growth response of the alder component of this system. Although alder consistently overtopped walnut, alder mortality began to increase dramatically during the seventh growing season and was nearly complete following the nineteenth growing season. Mean alder cumulative dry mass through year 14 ranged from 19.05 to 58.62 Mg/ha among initial density and thinning treatments. Carbon sequestered in useable bolewood constituted approximately 25 of total biomass. The productivity of the interplanted alder was comparable to that of native forests while constituting only a portion of the stand and without negatively impacting walnut growth or bole quality. These results suggest that, if marketed, alder has the potential to partially offset costs associated with walnut plantation establishment and maintenance.
Activity interaction and self-simulating systems

Two radically new discrete-event simulation modeling technologies are introduced: Activity Interaction (AI), a general approach for modeling system dynamics, and Self-Simulating Systems (S3), where AI models are integrated with information systems to generate correct, current, and credible real-time simulations. The research and development paths taken with these new technologies constitute a meta-experiment on the two fundamental historical approaches to developing new simulation modeling methodology: academic and commercial. Examples in production and service system settings are presented.
An isopiestic study of aqueous NaBr and KBr at 50 °C: Chemical equilibrium model of solution behavior and solubility in the NaBr–H2O, KBr–H2O and Na–K–Br–H2O systems to high concentration and temperature

Abstract The isopiestic method has been used to determine the osmotic coefficients of the binary solutions NaBr–H2O (from 0.745 to 5.953 mol kg−1) and KBr–H2O (from 0.741 to 5.683 mol kg−1) at the temperature t = 50 °C. Sodium chloride solutions have been used as isopiestic reference standards. The isopiestic results obtained have been combined with all other experimental thermodynamic quantities available in literature (osmotic coefficients, water activities, bromide mineral’s solubilities) to construct a chemical model that calculates solute and solvent activities and solid–liquid equilibria in the NaBr–H2O, KBr–H2O and Na–K–Br–H2O systems from dilute to high solution concentration within the 0–300 °C temperature range. The Harvie and Weare [Harvie C., and Weare J. (1980) The prediction of mineral solubilities in naturalwaters: the Na–K–Mg–Ca–Cl–SO4–H2O system from zero to high concentration at 25 °C. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 44, 981–997] solubility modeling approach, incorporating their implementation of the concentration-dependent specific interaction equations of Pitzer [Pitzer K. (1973) Thermodynamics of electrolytes. I. Theoretical basis and general equations. J. Phys. Chem. 77, 268–277] is employed. The model for binary systems is validated by comparing activity coefficient predictions with those given in literature, and not used in the parameterization process. Limitations of the mixed solutions model due to data insufficiencies are discussed. This model expands the variable temperature sodium–potassium model of Greenberg and Moller [Greenberg J., and Moller N. (1989) The prediction of mineral solubilities in natural waters: a chemical equilibrium model for the Na–K–Ca–Cl–SO4–H2O system to high concentration from 0 to 250 °C. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 53, 2503–2518] by evaluating Br− pure electrolyte and mixing solution parameters and the chemical potentials of three bromide solid phases: NaBr–2H2O (cr), NaBr (cr) and KBr (cr).
Evaluation of sulfur chemiluminescence detection in supercritical fluid chromatography

The sulfur chemiluminescence detector was optimized for the analysis of organosulfur compounds by supercritical fluid chromatography. The flame gases used in this study were hydrogen and air. The highest sensitivity was found when a fuel-rich flame was used. The noise characteristics of the detector were determined. Flicker noise is the primary source of noise in this detector when analyte is present. The linear dynamic range of the detector under supercritical fluid chromatography conditions was typically three orders of magnitude. For the optimum flame gas conditions, the detection limits for two-and three-ring organosulfur compounds were 10–1400 pg injected. The detection of sulfur in high molecular-weight polymers was also demonstrated.
Financial structure and capital investment

This article studies the effects of financial structure on the growth of physical capital accumulation. Several theoretical works have proposed that banks are better than stock markets in funding capital investment. We test these theories with panel data for 62 industrial and developing countries using Generalized Method of Moments dynamic panel techniques. Results show that bank based financial systems are indeed associated with faster capital growth. This effect is especially strong in countries where banks can have close links to nonfinancial firms.