cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcription in developing sea urchins: electron microscopic analysis of cleavage, gastrula and prism stages.

Nuclei from three different developmental stages of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus were examined for stage-specific differences in transcription. After dispersal in hypotonic solution and preparation for electron microscopic (EM) observation, nuclei from cleavage, gastrula, and prism stages all displayed beaded chromatin with similar numbers of nucleosomes per μm chromatin. The DNA/chromatin packing ratios computed from these nucleosome frequencies are 1.9–2.0 for both transcribed and nontranscribed chromatin. Several stage-specific differences were also observed. (1) Prism stage nuclei exhibited a smooth, nonbeaded chromatin configuration within the active ribosomal RNA genes (packing ratio=1.1 μm DNA/1.0 μm chromatin). (2) The rapid cell cycle of cleavage stage embryos produced some nuclei with metaphase chromosomes and some with DNA replication intermediates. (3) The average lengths of the nascent nonribosomal transcripts were comparable in gastrula and prism nuclei but shorter in cleavage nuclei. (4) And, the cleavage stage chromatin had a class of short, repeated ribonucleoprotein (RNP) fibril arrays that were not observed at any other developmental stage. This special class consisted of long stretches of chromatin (50–160 μm) covered with clusters of very short RNP fibrils (length=0.04±0.02 μm). These repeating clusters ranged in length from 0.1–0.2 μm chromatin. The characteristics of these arrays suggest they are active histone genes. If so, then this is the first report of the EM morphology of transcribing histone genes. These putative histone genes contributed significantly to the amount of transcription observed in cleavage nuclei while the number and distribution of all other RNP fibrils were similar on cleavage and gastrula chromatin. These data are discussed in relation to reported changes in the RNA synthetic rates of sea urchin embryos.
High visibility safety apparel and nighttime conspicuity of pedestrians in work zones.

Abstract Problem Every year numerous occupational fatalities result from pedestrians being struck by motor vehicles intruding into work zones. Method Attributes of retroreflective personal safety garments on pedestrian conspicuity at night were assessed in a field study. Using instrumented vehicles on a closed track, participants drove through simulated work zones attempting to detect pedestrians located in the work zones. Results Configuration of the retroreflective trim, trim color, placement in the work zone, and driver age significantly affected pedestrian conspicuity. Intensity and the amount of retroreflective trim did not. Discussion Personal safety garments incorporating retroreflective trim significantly improve pedestrian conspicuity in work zones. Summary The results emphasize the importance of retroreflective trim on personal safety garments, particularly if the trim is located on garment sleeves. Impact on Industry We examine the design attributes that contribute to making a personal safety garment conspicuous. The results have implications regarding preferred garment designs, industry standards, and service life of personal safety garments.
Design controversies and the generation effect: support for an item-order hypothesis.

We performed three experiments to investigate an earlier finding of Nairne, Riegler, and Serra (1991) that item generation disrupts the long-term retention of serial order. Experiment 1 demonstrated a clear advantage of reading over generating on a reconstruction test when reading and generating occurred in pure, but not mixed, lists. Experiment 2 showed that the standard generate advantage is seen in free recall of mixed, but not pure, lists, even when recall is immediately followed by reconstruction of serial order of the same items. Experiment 3 replicated Experiment 1, but with the use of an incidental learning procedure. The results of all three experiments are consistent with the claim that generation has dissociative effects on item and order memory; moreover, these dissociative effects help to explain design controversies-in the -generation effect literature.
Evidence for deoxyribonucleotide sequence divergence between staphylococci living on human and other primate skin

Human and nonhuman primate strains ofStaphylococcus haemolyticus andS. warneri were examined for relatedness to each other and other members of the genusStaphylococcus by using DNA-DNA hybridization techniques. The results indicate that human and nonhuman primate strains have diverged and are members of separate DNA homology groups or subspecies inS. haemolyticus and inS. warneri. There is partial evidence that members of the primateS. epidermidis species group are more closely related to one another than to other species. The preliminary data presented in this report are in agreement with the hypothesis that at least certain staphylococci have evolved concurrently with their hosts (conjugate evolution).
Relative motion between phases of a particulate suspension

Abstract Measurements by a laser phase Doppler particle analyzer (PDPA) were made on a gas-solid suspension in pipe flow with the addition of tracer particles for the motion of the gaseous phase. Determinations consisted of the local instantaneous velocities and intensities of the phases and those of their relative motion. In addition to the density distribution of the particle cloud, these properties have an important bearing on the transport processes between the phases.
Fear of a Black Pulpit? Real Racial Transcendence Versus Cultural Assimilation in Multiracial Churches

The growing literature on multiracial churches tends to take the position that religious values can be influential in promoting racially inclusive religious communities. Marti offers further evidence for this argument: cosmetic changes predominately white churches make to their worship, music, and leadership in order to attract/retain “race-conscious” black congregants. In this response, I argue that these churches do not cause blacks to transcend their race consciousness. They merely offer havens for those blacks who have already transcended their race enough to pursue membership in these religious communities. I conclude with a challenge to scholars in this line of research to add evidence of religion's ability to promote racial transcendence for “race-conscious” white congregants.
CMOS-Compatible High Frequency Infrared Photodiodes

CMOS-compatible, silicon waveguide photodiodes, responding to radiation from 1270 to 1740 nm (0.8 A W-1 at 1550 nm) with a 3 dB bandwidth of 10 to 20 GHz were formed by Si ion implantation.
Matrix program to analyze primary structure homology

A FORTRAN program to analyze homology of letter strings (nucleotide or amino acid sequences) and to display the result in the form of a dot matrix is presented. The program is generally usable, user-friendly and has a number of options (filtering, "fudging," i.e., consideration of groups of homologous residues, and screening, i.e., display of only particular groups of residues) which greatly potentiate its analytical power.
Molecular cloning of mouse Lrp7(Lr3) cDNA and chromosomal mapping of orthologous genes in mouse and human.

LRP7 (the HGMW-approved gene symbol for LR3) is a novel member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family. The unique modular features in both its extracellular and its intracellular regions and functional analysis suggest it to be a multifunctional protein with mitogenic activity and potential ligand-induced signal transduction capability. We describe here the cloning of Lrp7, the orthologue of the human LRP7 gene, from a mouse liver cDNA library and its expression profile in mouse tissues and developmental stages. Lrp7 is highly homologous to the human sequence, with 95% identity at the amino acid level and a perfect conservation of all the recognizable functional domains. A 6-kb mRNA transcript could be detected in all the tissues examined, with the highest expression levels in liver, heart, and lung and the lowest levels in brain and spleen. A similar expression level of a smaller transcript (4.5 kb) was seen at the four embryonic stages examined. We mapped the Lrp7 gene to mouse chromosome 19B and the LRP7 gene to human chromosome 11q13.4. The LRP7 gene was also localized by radiation hybrid mapping between markers D11S24270 and D11S1975.
On the form of a bus service frequency supply function

Abstract Transportation planners have proposed and, in some cases, used three distinct models for the supply behavior of transit management in assigning buses to routes. Specifically, these three models are: (1) y = βx, (2) y = max (μ, βx), and (3) y = α + βx, where y is the frequency of buses on a route and x is the passenger traffic on the route. While empirical data leads directly to the rejection of model (1), past research has not clarified the appropriateness of model (2) or model (3). A test on broken line regression, suggested by Feder (1975) is applied to Chicago Transit Authority data, and the result is the rejection of model (2) in favor of model (3). Thus, the purely linear model, y = α + βx, is shown to be most appropriate.
Comparison between Homebound and Independent-Living Elderly:

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To demonstrate use and outcomes of the Level I Screen of the Nutrition Screening Initiative among two elderly groups representing widely different levels of independence in a community setting. The Level I Screen of the Nutrition Screening Initiative is used to identify malnutrition risk of among elderly and suggest appropriate intervention based on various factors which may impair the ability to obtain a nutritious diet. Two groups of elderly, representing widely different levels of independence, were studied to compare responses to the Level I Screen, nutrient intake, and intervention appropriate for each group. The two groups consisted of 35 homebound participants of a home delivered meal (HDM) program and 33 independent-living residents (IL) identified through a variety of contacts from three randomly selected non-urban communities. Participants were interviewed in their homes, during which information was gathered to complete the Level I Screen and three 24 hour food recalls. Level I Screen revealed several significant differences (P The Level I Screen was effective in identifying various areas of intervention for both groups and can be useful for home health care planners as well as for those planning programs such as nutrition education for independent living elderly. The study supports the important contribution of the home delivered meal, the need for monitoring various factors which may impair nutritional status for various groups of elderly, and the need for further nutrition assessment of homebound elderly established by results of the Screen.
Survival of adults and developmental stages of Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis when off the host

All life-stages ofSarcoptes scabiei var.canis survive in the hosts' environment for several days to several weeks depending on r.h. and temperature. Survival of larvae was comparable to males; survival of nymphs was comparable to females. Females and nymphs generally survived longer than larvae and males. Low temperature (10–15°) and high r.h. prolonged survival of all life stages. At 10–15°C, females and nymphs survived 1–3 weeks at 97% r.h., 1–2 weeks at 75% r.h. and 5–8 days at 45% r.h. At 20–25°C, survival was significantly reduced but all life-stages survived at least 2 days at 25% r.h. and 5–6 days at 75–100% r.h. Long survival off the host coupled with host-seeking behavior of these mites make it likely that environmental contamination is a source of scabies in domestic and wild mammals, and in humans.
IL-13 activates STAT6 and inhibits liver injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury is initiated by the activation of Kupffer cells and their subsequent release of proinflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα). These mediators stimulate a cascade of events including up-regulation of CXC chemokines and vascular endothelial adhesion molecules, leading to hepatic neutrophil recruitment and tissue injury. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a cytokine that has been shown to suppress macrophage production of proinflammatory mediators. The objective of the current study was to determine whether IL-13 could regulate the liver inflammatory injury induced by ischemia and reperfusion. C57BL/6 mice underwent 90 minutes of partial hepatic ischemia followed by reperfusion with or without intravenous administration of recombinant murine IL-13. Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion increased expression of TNFα and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), leading to hepatic neutrophil recruitment, hepatocellular injury, and liver edema. Administration of IL-13 reduced the production of TNFα and MIP-2 mRNA and protein. IL-13 suppressed liver neutrophil recruitment by up to 72% and hepatocellular injury and liver edema were each reduced by >60%. Administration of IL-13 had no effect on liver NFκB activation, but greatly increased the activation of STAT6. The data suggest that the hepatoprotective effects of IL-13 may be a result of STAT6 activation.
Pharmacological characterization of the afterdischarge that precedes the onset of maximal dentate activation in the rat

Abstract Two types of afterdischarges have been recorded in the dentate gyrus after trains of electrical stimulation. The first afterdischarge contains predominantly broad positive potentials. The second afterdischarge contains bursts of large amplitude population spikes and has been termed maximal dentate activation. It has been proposed that the first afterdischarge is a precursor to maximal dentate activation and, therefore, it is termed a pre-MDA afterdischarge. The effects of several drugs on these afterdischarges were compared in adult male rats anesthetized with urethane. Stimulus trains (50 Hz) designed to elicit the pre-MDA afterdischarge were administered to the left CA3 region while recording in the ipsilateral dentate gyrus and contralateral CA1 cell layer. Phenytoin (80 mg kg ), phenobarbital (60 mg kg ), ethosuximide (300 mg kg ) and sodium valproate (300 mg kg ) had no effect on the duration or characteristics of the discharge. Carbamazepine (50–60 mg/kg) and ketamine (30 mg kg ) reversibly blocked the discharge. Diazepam (3 mg kg ) reduced the duration of the discharge and also reduced the amplitude of population spikes recorded in CA1. Baclofen (10 mg kg ) and bicuculline (0.5 mg kg ) increased the duration of the discharge. The effects of dizocilpine (MK-801, 2 mg kg ) were inconsistent. These results were compared to the effects of the same drugs on the time-to-onset and duration of maximal dentate activation. The pharmacological sensitivities of maximal dentate activation and pre-MDA discharges were found to be qualitatively different.
Cicatricial pemphigoid: immunopathogenesis and treatment

Cicatricial pemphigoid (CP) is a chronic, autoimmune, subepidermal blistering disease of mucous membranes and skin that has a tendency to scar and result in tissue destruction. Recent studies demonstrate that CP is a heterogeneous disease in which patients can resemble each other clinically, histologically, and immunopathologically, but have autoantibodies that target different autoantigens in the epidermal basement membrane. Accordingly CP is now considered to be a disease phenotype rather than a single nosologic entity. CP can be associated with substantial morbidity, and in rare instances, mortality. Currently the management of patients with CP is grounded in clinical experience rather than the results of large randomized trials. This article discusses recent advances in the understanding of this disorder's pathophysiology and treatment.
Etiology, risk factors, epidemiology, and public health issues in melanoma and other cutaneous neoplasms.

The cytogenetic features of melanoma, including the contribution of specific genes, are beginning to be unraveled. Reproductive factors have been shown to have little relationship to melanoma. The puzzles over apparent systemic effects of exposure have persisted, however. Evidence was published that the history of reaction to sun exposure altered when a diagnosis of melanoma was made. An interesting suggestion was made that the classic melanoma risk factors are associated with promotion rather than initiation of the disease. There is further evidence that exposure decreases melanoma risk in people who tan well but increases it in those who do not. Also reviewed is the evidence that the ozone layer of the stratosphere began to decrease in thickness under the influence of the chlorofluorocarbon gases.
The 24 000 Da subunit is not required for the RNA synthesis activity of chicken leukemia RNA polymerase II

Summary The partially purified RNA polymerase II from chicken leukemia cells (Chuang R.Y., Chuang L.F. & Israel M. (1986) Biochem. Pharmacal . 35, 1293–1297) contained multiple subunits with molecular masses (in Da) ranging from 220 000 to 24000, as shown by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme was further purified through phosphocellulose column and fractions containing the enzyme activity were collected and concentrated 400-fold through a microconcentrator. The microconcentrator contained a membrane with a molecular weight cutoff around 30 000 and, hence, removed the 24 000 Da polypeptide from the enzyme. It was found that the resulting enzyme retained all the catalytic activity as compared to the enzyme preparation before the concentration step, suggesting that the stoichiometric amount of the 24 000 Da polypeptide is not required for RNA synthesis activity with a denatured DNA template.
Change in Optic Disk Topography After Trabeculectomy

Purpose To investigate the relationship between optic disk topography and intraocular pressure before and after trabeculectomy with confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Methods The eyes of 49 consecutive patients undergoing trabeculectomy at a university-based glaucoma practice underwent preoperative and postoperative imaging using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph). Three images of one eye of each patient were obtained with a 15-degree field of view. Preoperative images were obtained approximately 2 months before surgery (mean ± SD, 2.4 ±1.6 months). Postoperative images were obtained at least 3 months after surgery (mean, 4.5 ± 2.6 months). Results Mean preoperative intraocular pressure, postoperative intraocular pressure, and percent change in intraocular pressure respectively were 23.1 ± 6.8 mm Hg, 12.7 ± 7.1 mm Hg, and 43.8% ± 29.9%. A significant association (P 2 ) in these parameters was explained by the percent change in intraocular pressure. Topography changes were more strongly associated with percent change than with mean change in intraocular pressure. We found no association between percent decrease in intraocular pressure and reference plane height or maximum cup depth. Conclusions Changes in optic nerve topography were associated with reduction in intraocular pressure after trabeculectomy.
The Intrinsically Disordered Termini of zDHHC S-Palmitoyltransferases Facilitate Multiple Regulatory Functions

zDHHC protein acyltransferases (PATs) are a family of membrane proteins that catalyze the reversible post-translational lipidation known as palmitoylation, a process essential to normal cellular function through facilitation of membrane attachment, subcellular trafficking, and protein stability. While transmembrane proteins such as PATs are mostly ordered due to the hydrophobic membrane environment, they have cytoplasmic tails which tend to lack stable three-dimensional structure. The aim of this study was to understand the structural and functional implications of disordered PAT termini using computational, biochemical, and biophysical approaches. Intrinsic disorder prediction indicates that a conserved α-helical molecular recognition feature (MoRF) exists in the C-termini of all PATs. In the human and yeast Ras PATs (zDHHC9 and Erf2, respectively), this region was found to be essential to palmitoyltransferase function in vivo and in vitro. Additional experiments suggest that the MoRF participates in previously undescribed protein-protein interactions. The disordered termini of Erf2 also facilitate multiple regulatory post-translational modifications including phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination. As PTMs and protein-protein interactions of PATs have been poorly described, elucidation of the structure-function relationships and modifications of intrinsically disordered regions in PATs potentially represents a novel paradigm of pharmacological interrogation of protein palmitoylation.
Evaluation of a temperate environment test to predict heat tolerance.

A temperate environment heat tolerance test (HTT) was formerly reported (Shvartz et al. 1977b) to distinguish heat acclimatized humans from former heat stroke patients. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the ability of HTT to measure acute individual changes in the HR and Tre responses of normal subjects, induced by classical heat acclimation procedures, thereby assessing the utility and sensitivity of HTT as a heat tolerance screening procedure. On day 1, 14 healthy males performed HTT (23.2±0.5 ° C db, 14.9±0.5 ° C wb) by bench stepping (30 cm high, 27 steps · min-1) for 15 min at 67±3% $$\dot V_{O_{2\max } }$$ . On days 2–9, all subjects underwent heat acclimation (41.2±0.3 ° C db, 28.4±0.3° C wb) via treadmill exercise. Heat acclimation trials (identical on days 2 and 9) resulted in significant decreases in HR (170±3 vs 144±5 beats · min−1), Tre (39.21±0.09 vs 38.56±0.17 ° C), and ratings of perceived exertion; plasma volume expanded 5.2±1.7%. On day 10, subjects repeated HTT; day 1 vs day 10 HR were statistically similar (143±6 vs 137±6 beats · min−1, p>0.05) but Tre decreased significantly (37.7±0.1 vs 37.5±0.1 ° C, p 0.05), and individual composite scores indicated that HTT did not accurately measure HR and Tre trends at 41.2 ° C in 6 out of 14 subjects. Among the physical characteristics of subjects, only $$\dot V_{O_{2\max } }$$ correlated significantly (r 2=0.74, p<0.001) with HTT, indicating a large aerobic component. We concluded that HTT is not a substitute for classical heat tolerance tests conducted at high ambient temperatures. HTT is apparently most useful in patient or at-risk populations in which preliminary or gross distinctions between heat tolerant and heat intolerant individuals are required.
Effect of environmental weathering on flexural creep behavior of long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites

Flexural creep behavior of nylon 6/6 (NY66)- and polypropylene (PP)- based long fiber (l/d = 2000-10 000) thermoplastic (LFT) composites was investigated as a function of ultraviolet irradiation and moisture absorption. Extrusion/compression-molded panels were prepared according to ASTM D-2990 and conditioned according to ASTM D-618. NY66 and PP LFTs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in the unexposed condition, and as-exposed to 253.7 nm UV radiation. The creep compliance of PP LFT increased with increasing UV exposure, whereas the creep compliance of NY66 LFT showed a moderate decrease with increasing UV exposure. Moisture absorption experiments were performed in boiling water until saturation on NY66 and its LFT composites. Characterization of desorbed moisture absorption specimens suggested slight variation in the structure, and an analysis of creep compliances showed minimal changes as compared to the dry/unexposed specimens.
Structure functions at low Q2: higher twists and target mass effects

We review the physics of structure functions at low Q 2 , focusing on the phenomenon of quark-hadron duality and the resonance–scaling transition, both phenomenologically and in the context of quark models. We also present a new implementation of target mass corrections to nucleon structure functions which, unlike existing treatments, has the correct kinematic threshold behavior at finite Q 2 in the x → 1 limit.
A unique class of rabbit immunoglobulins eliciting passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in homologous skin.

Abstract Immunization of rabbits with tetanus toxoid stimulated the production of an antibody capable of senstitizing homologous skin for anphylactic reactions. These skin reactions were suppressed by antihistamines but not by a serotonin antagonist. The skin sensitizing (homocytotropic) antibody was detectable in serum over a period of 6 to 133 days after a primary injection of tetanus toxoid. an anamnestic response was also observed. The homocytotropic antibody was differentiated from previously established classes of rabbit immunoglobulins by physicochemical means and by immunological methods using specific antisera. In passive transfer experiments it was found to persist in rabbit skin for at least 6 weeks. The antibody was excreted in colostrum of immunized rabbits and was probably transmitted to the fetus in utero. IgA isolated from colostrum of immunized rabbits was devoid of antibody activities. A molecular weight of approximately 200,000 was estimated for the homocytropic antibody on the basis of its elution pattern in Sephadex G 200 gel filtration. The antibody was heat stable, and was susceptible to sulfhydryl reagents. However, the skin sensitizing activity could be recovered in preparations reduced with dithiothreitol (without subsequent alkylation) if the preparations were left with the reducing agent in the cold for 18 hr.
MP3 files as a steganography medium

There is a lot of work done on hiding information inside picture files in formats such as JPEG, however not much has been done to date on hiding information inside MP3 audio files. This paper looks at ways to hide information inside MP3 files and proposes four largely unexplored techniques: unused header bit stuffing, unused side information bit stuffing, empty frame stuffing, and ancillary bit stuffing.
Chromosomal localization of the callipyge gene in sheep (Ovis aries) using bovine DNA markers.

Abstract A mutation causing muscular hypertrophy, with associated leanness and improved feed efficiency, has been recently identified in domestic sheep (Ovis aries). Preliminary results indicate that an autosomal dominant gene may be responsible for this economically advantageous trait. We have exploited the conservation in sequence and chromosomal location of DNA markers across Bovidae to map the corresponding callipyge locus to ovine chromosome 18 using a battery of bovine chromosome 21 markers. Chromosomal localization of the ovine callipyge locus is the first step toward positional cloning of the corresponding gene.
Incidence of Turf-Damaging White Grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) and Associated Pathogens and Parasitoids on Kentucky Golf Courses

Root-feeding grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) were sampled from damaged areas of 61 irrigated roughs on 32 Kentucky golf courses to determine species composition and natural enemy incidence, the first such survey in the United States' transitional turfgrass climatic zone. Masked chafers (Cyclocephala lurida Bland and C. borealis Arrow) and Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica Newman) accounted for ≈73 and 26% of grubs found in an autumn survey, with Cyclocephala spp. predominating at most sites, although mixed infestations were common. Only a few Phyllophaga spp., and no exotic species other than P. japonica were found. Cyclocephala spp. also predominated in seasonal and statewide surveys regardless of whether a course had cool- or warm-season grass fairways. Pathogenic bacteria, Paenibacillus and Serratia spp., and the autumn-active parasitoid Tiphia pygidialis Allen were the main enemies associated with Cyclocephala spp. Predominant enemies of P. japonica were Paenibacillus, Serratia, and Metarhizium spp. in autumn, and eugregarines, Stictospora sp. (probably S. villani Hays and Clopton) and Tiphia vernalis Rohwer in spring. Entomopathogenic nematodes and the microsporidian Ovavesicula popilliae Andreadis & Hanula were nearly absent in our samples. No predictive relationships were found between soil parameters and proportionate abundance of Cyclocephala or P. japonica, or with natural enemy incidence at particular sites. Although incidence of individual enemies was generally low (<20%; often <5%) in these point-in-time surveys, collectively and over their hosts' prolonged development they may take a significant toll on grub populations.
Highly efficient enzyme reactors containing trypsin and endoproteinase LysC immobilized on porous polymer monolith coupled to MS suitable for analysis of antibodies.

Capillary enzymatic microreactors containing trypsin and endoproteinase LysC immobilized on a porous polymer monolith have been prepared and used for the characterization and identification of proteins such as cytochrome c, bovine serum albumin, and high-molecular weight human immunoglobulin G. The hydrophilicity of diol functionalities originating from the hydrolyzed poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monolith was not sufficient to avoid adsorption of hydrophobic albumin in a highly aqueous mobile phase. Therefore, this monolith was first hydrophilized via photografting of poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate followed by photografting of a 4-vinyl-2,2-dimethylazlactone to provide the pore surface with reactive functionalities required for immobilization. This new approach reduced the undesired nonspecific adsorption of proteins and peptides and facilitated control of both the enzyme immobilization and protein digestion processes. The enzymatic reactors were coupled off-line with MALDI/T...
Effect of chemical structure on the crosslinking behavior of bismaleimides: Rheological study

Abstract The effect of molecular structure on the cure characteristics of bismaleimides (BMIs) was investigated by rheological measurements. BMI resins of different chemical structures were used, prepared from diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and N-(3-carboxy phenyl) maleimide or N-(4-carboxy phenyl) maleimide. Temperature dependence of the rheological data was correlated to the Arrhenius equation, from which the activation energy of crosslinking was calculated. Upon heating in dynamic curing, viscosity passed through a minimum then sharply increased due to increasing amount of the crosslinking reaction. The temperature at minimum viscosity increased as the chain length became longer. After passing the minimum point, viscosity increased much faster for meta BMIs (3BE1, 3BE2) than para BMIs, however, the difference in the chain length did not show any appreciable difference in the viscosity increase rate (dη∗/dT). Nonetheless, the final viscosity was lower for longer chains, because their crosslinking density would be lower. In isothermal curing, the final crosslinking density was expected to increase with temperature, which was shown via the increase in the final viscosity. The gelation time decreased with temperature, and the activation energy of the crosslinking reaction was obtained. Using the reaction kinetics parameters obtained from dynamic scanning calorimeter and Arrhenius type equation, the viscosity change during the isothermal curing was simulated and compared with the measurements.
Relationships between Hysteresis Measurements and the Constituent Properties of Ceramic Matrix Composites: I, Theory

A methodology for assessing constituent properties of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) from stress/strain curves is developed. The procedures demonstrate how the properties of the interface and the misfit strain can be related to the unload/reload hysteresis and the permanent strain. The approach is illustrated in companion papers by obtaining experimental measurements on two CMCs. The results demonstrate why differences in the sliding stress and the debond energy of the interfaces result in substantial changes in the shape of the stress/strain curve.
The interaction of theory with practice in a study of successful principals: An interpretive research in process

(1992). The interaction of theory with practice in a study of successful principals: An interpretive research in process. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 31, Qualitative Issues in Educational Research, pp. 157-164.
Optical properties and dual electrical and ionic conductivity in poly(3-methylhexa(oxyethylene)oxy-4-methylthiophene)

A new regioregular polythiophene derivative bearing side chains with exactly six oxyethylene units has been synthesized. From the thermochromic and ionochromic behavior of this polymer, it is concluded that the hexa(oxyethylene) side chains induce a more planar conformation of the polythiophene backbone than random-length oxyethylene side chains with on average seven oxyethylene units. It is further observed that the ionochromic transition from the planar to the nonplanar conformation is [K+]2 dependent, suggesting that solvation of K ions by adjacent side chains is required. The polymer is ionically as well as electronically conductive. The ionic conductivity is only measurable at 80 °C, i.e., above Tg and the order−disorder temperature of the polymer.
Chick sympathetic neurons develop receptors for α-bungarotoxin in vitro, but the toxin does not block nicotinic receptors

Summary Studies were carried out on the development and physiological role of receptors for α-bungarotoxin (αBT) on chick embryo sympathetic neurons maintained in dissociated cell culture. Neurons from embryos of 13 days incubation (E13) developed αBT receptors in vitro with a time course and to a maximum level per cell similar to that previously observed for such neurons in vivo. In vitro receptor development by E11 and E8 neurons was also present, but (in comparison with E13 neurons) reached somewhat lower maximal levels. Receptor development in vitro was not affected by exclusion of non-neuronal cells from the cultures. In the present and in previous studies, binding of αBT to chick sympathetic neurons was blocked by a variety of ligands of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. However, saturating concentrations of toxin were found here to be ineffective in blocking either (a) release of [3H]norepinephrine from the cultured neurons elicited via nicotinic stimulation of acetylcholine receptors or (b) depolarizing responses of the cultured neurons elicited by iontophoretically applied acetylcholine and nicotine. Kinetic studies further revealed that, while the dissociation of αBT from the cultured neurons is considerably enhanced in the presence of a cholinergic ligand (100 μM nicotine), the rate of this dissociation (t½ ⋍ 30 min) appears to be too slow to account for the inability of the toxin to block nicotinic responses. Such findings show that chick embryo sympathetic neurons can develop receptors for αBT both in vivo and in vitro, but that the toxin does not block activation of their nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The physiologic nature of specific binding sites for αBT on such neurons is thus presently unclear.
Minimizing thatch and mat development in a newly seeded creeping bentgrass golf green

Excessive (>1.3 cm) thatch and mat layering of turfgrass is considered undesirable because it reduces hydraulic conductivity, water infiltration, increases localized dry spots and pest problems, and reduces pesticide effectiveness and turf tolerance to temperature extremes. The objective of this 2-yr study was to determine the efficacy of topdressing alone and in combination with several mechanical and biological methods to control thatch-mat accumulation in a newly established 'L-93' creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stolonifera L. var palustris (Huds.) Farw.] sand-based golf green. Mechanical and biological methods included vertical mowing at various depths and timings, core cultivation, grooming, a biological thatch control agent (Thatch-X), and combinations of core cultivation with grooming, core cultivation with vertical mowing, and core cultivation combined with grooming and vertical mowing. No treatment prevented thatch-mat accumulation, and thatch-mat depth for all treatments were similar to, or greater than, the untreated at the end of the study. Increases in percent organic matter content during the study ranged from 53% for core cultivation combined with grooming and vertical mowing to 123% for the untreated. Combinations of core cultivation plus vertical mowing with or without grooming were the most effective at minimizing thatch-mat accumulation. These treatments decreased percent organic matter 38 and 45%, respectively, compared with the untreated. Surface hardness was reduced an average of 19% by treatments that included core cultivation, and the cultivation treatments increased water infiltration rates an average of 58% in 2001 and 188% in 2002 compared with the untreated. Turf quality was not adversely affected by any management practice and remained acceptable (greater than or equal to 7.0) throughout the study.
Effective Use of Dairy Herd Improvement Somatic Cell Counts in Mastitis Control

The single most important factor affecting somatic cell count in milk is mammary gland infection status. In comparison, all other factors are minor. Consideration needs to be given to diurnal effects on Dairy Herd Improvement a.m.-p.m. sampling schemes. Somatic cell count linear score of 5 (283,000) appears to be a good choice of threshold for mastitis control applications. A greater understanding of the nonbacteriological factors affecting somatic cell count is needed so that relative thresholds could be used to improve the clarity of somatic cell count interpretation. Linear score loss estimates are effective educational tools providing motivation for mastitis control implementation. Infection status or milk loss estimates based on single somatic cell count tests on individual cows are weak. A lactational average linear score on individual cows or linear score compilations across a herd provide credible estimates. Treatment of subclinical mastitis based on somatic cell count levels is not economically beneficial and is not recommended. Usefulness of Dairy Herd Improvement somatic cell count data as a mastitis management tool requires measures of mastitis level, new infection rate, and mastitis pattern within the herd over time.
Language Excavation for the Purpose of Analyzing Curriculum Conversation: Reviewing Daniel Tröhler's Languages of Education: Protestant Legacies, National Identities, and Global Aspirations

Trohler, D. (2011). Languages of Education: Protestant Legacies, National Identities, and Global Aspirations. New York, NY: Routledge. ISBN 978-0415995085 (hardback). In a time of post-civil-rights...
Why are small R&D organizations more productive?

Many R&D managers believe that small R&D organizations are more productive than large ones, a view that is reflected in the popular management literature of the 1980s. The author examines theoretical arguments for the possible advantages of smallness in R&D organizations, proposes an ideal product development organization using the techniques of control theory to simulate information flows, and compares the ideal model with survey data from five R&D organizations. Although direct contact with customers has been shown to be the best source of information about new product concepts, the majority of the product development engineers and engineering managers responding to a survey reported that they speak with customers either one or twice a year, or not at all. It is concluded that merely making R&D organizations small may prove disappointing unless careful attention is paid to organizational policies affecting communications flows, direct access to customers, opportunistic planning, and financial incentives for good performance. >
Characterizing ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions from a swine waste treatment lagoon in North Carolina

Emissions of atmospheric ammonia–nitrogen (NH3-N, where NH3-N ¼ (14/17)NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from a commercial anaerobic swine waste treatment lagoon (17,150 m 2 at normal liquid level) were measured over a 1-year period. Continuous simultaneous measurements were made at the lagoon using a dynamic flow-through chamber system for � 1 week during four seasons, October–November 2004 (fall), February 2005 (winter), April 2005 (spring), and June 2005 (summer) in an effort to examine diurnal and seasonal variability, and the respective relationships of NH3-N and H2S emissions to lagoon physicochemical properties. Continuously measured lagoon physicochemical parameters include lagoon surface temperature and lagoon pH. Aqueous lagoon samples were collected daily and analyzed for total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), total ammoniacal nitrogen (TAN), and total sulfide concentration. TKN, TAN, and sulfide concentrations ranged from 400–650, 360–590, and 0.1–13.0 mg L � 1 , respectively. For NH3-N, the largest fluxes were observed during the summer (44200m gN m � 2 min � 1 ). During the fall and spring, average NH3-N fluxes were 16347505 and 42495m gN m � 2 min � 1 , respectively. The lowest fluxes were observed during the winter where average flux values were 12907246m gNm � 2 min � 1 . Fluxes for H2S were negligible during the winter season. Average fluxes increased during the fall (0.370.1m gm � 2 min � 1 ) and spring (0.571.0m gm � 2 min � 1 ), and highest flux values were observed during the summer (5.373.2m gm � 2 min � 1 ). The seasonal NH3-N and H2S emission factors ranged from � 10 to � 40 kg N AU � 1 yr � 1 (1 AU ¼ 500 kg live animal weight) and � 0t o� 0.05 kg H2 SA U � 1 yr � 1 , respectively. Generally, the lagoon emissions for H2S were � 3–4 orders of magnitude less than NH3-N. The gas fluxes were related to various physicochemical parameters including the pH and near-surface temperature of the lagoon, and the aqueous concentration of the respective gas. r 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Influence of the molecular interaction on the ac Kerr effect possibility of a field-induced phase transition

The influence of the molecular interaction on the orientation of polarizable molecules in the presence of a strong ac orienting electric field is considered. It is shown that, under certain conditions, a molecular system can be driven into a new ordered phase (similar to a liquid crystal mesophase). This first order transition leads to an orientation quite far from saturation of the molecular alignment. It is also shown that the electric field intensity required to achieve a certain induced change in the dielectric constant, via the Kerr effect, can now be much smaller than in the formulation without molecular interaction. The role of the molecular interaction in self-focusing and trapping is briefly considered.
A Note on the Optimal Spacing Properties in a Simple Jevonian Model of Educational Investment

In the frequently used simplified model of educational investment behavior that originates from Jevons' vintage capital model,' it is implicitly assumed that education is taken consecutively from the moment of individuals' economic birth. The main purpose of this note is to show that there are inherent optimal spacing properties within the surface structure of the simplified model; namely, even if we allow education to be taken in any intermittent manner, the optimum education program, under certain conditions, coincides with that of the basic model. This result links directly with the similar properties observed in the technically more sophisticated models of educational investment 2 and thus provides a rationalization for the use of such a simplified model.3
A comparison of photovoltaic module performance evaluation methodologies for energy ratings

The rating of photovoltaic (PV) modules has always been a controversial topic in the PV community. There is no industry standard methodology to evaluate PV modules for energy production. This issue must be discussed and resolved for the benefit of system planners, utilities, and other consumers. Several methodologies are available to rate a module's peak power, but do any accurately predict energy output for flat-plate modules? This paper analyzes the energy performance of PV modules using six different energy calculation techniques and compares the results to the measured amount of energy produced. The results indicate which methods are the most effective for predicting energy output in Golden, Colorado, under prevailing meteorological conditions.
Diurnal secretion of growth hormone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone in pre- and perimenopausal women with active rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot case-control study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with neuroendocrine and immunologic dysfunction leading to rheumatoid cachexia. Although excess proinflammatory cytokines can decrease somatotropic axis activity, little is known about the effects of RA on growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH/IGF-I) axis function. We tested the hypothesis that patients with active RA exhibit decreased GH/IGF-I axis activity. To do so, we conducted a pilot case-control study at a clinical research center in 7 pre- and perimenopausal women with active RA and 10 age- and body mass index-matched healthy women. Participants underwent blood sampling every 20 minutes for 24 hours (8 a.m. to 8 a.m.), and sera were assayed for GH, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Sera obtained after overnight fasting were assayed for IGF-I, IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-1, IGFBP-3, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL6), glucose, insulin, and lipids. Body composition and bone mineral density were evaluated by DEXA (dual emission x-ray absorptiometry) scans. In patients with RA, mean disease duration was 7.6 ± 6.8 years, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CRP, and IL-6 were elevated. GH half-life was shorter than in control subjects (p = 0.0037), with no other significant group differences in GH deconvolution parameters or approximate entropy scores. IGF-I (p = 0.05) and IGFBP-3 (p = 0.058) were lower, whereas IGFBP-1 tended to be higher (p = 0.066), in patients with RA, with nonsignificantly increased 24-hour total GH production rates. There were no significant group differences in cortisol or DHEA secretion. Lean body mass was lower in patients with RA (p = 0.019), particularly in the legs (p = 0.01). Women with active RA exhibit a trend toward GH insensitivity and relatively diminished diurnal cortisol and DHEA secretion for their state of inflammation. Whether these changes contribute to rheumatoid cachexia remains to be determined. Trial registration number NCT00034060.
Casein Kinase 2: A Novel Player in Glioblastoma Therapy and Cancer Stem Cells

Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is an oncogenic protein kinase which contributes to tumor development, proliferation, and suppression of apoptosis in multiple cancer types. The mechanism by which CK2 expression and activity leads to tumorigenesis in glioblastoma (GBM), a stage IV primary brain tumor, is being studied. Recent studies demonstrate that CK2 plays an important role in GBM formation and growth through the inhibition of tumor suppressors and activation of oncogenes. In addition, intriguing new reports indicate that CK2 may regulate GBM formation in a novel manner; CK2 may play a critical role in cancer stem cell (CSC) maintenance. Since glial CSCs have the ability to self-renew and initiate tumor growth, new treatments which target these CSCs are needed to treat this fatal disease. Inhibition of CK2 is potentially a novel method to inhibit GBM growth and reoccurrence by targeting the glial CSCs. A new, orally available, selective CK2 inhibitor, CX-4945 has had promising results when tested in cancer cell lines, in vivo xenograft models, and human clinical trials. The development of CK2 targeted inhibitors, starting with CX-4945, may lead to a new class of more effective cancer therapies.