cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cellular dynamics of RNA modification.

Five decades of research have identified more than 100 ribonucleosides that are post-transcriptionally modified. Many modified nucleosides are conserved throughout bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes, while some are unique to each branch of life. However, the cellular and functional dynamics of RNA modification remain largely unexplored, mostly because of the lack of functional hypotheses and experimental methods for quantification and large-scale analysis.Many RNA modifications are not essential for life, which parallels the observation that many well-characterized protein and DNA modifications are not essential for life. Instead, increasing evidence indicates that RNA modifications can play regulatory roles in cells, especially in response to stress conditions. In this Account, we review some examples of RNA modification that are dynamically controlled in cells. We also discuss some recently developed methods that have enhanced the ability to study the cellular dynamics of RNA modification.We discuss four...
Response to Comment on "How Science Survived: Medieval Manuscripts' `Demography' and Classic Texts' Extinction"

Declercq9s rejection of an otherwise well-supported model is based on demonstrably too narrow an interpretation of the use of Bede9s De Temporum Ratione and on questionable appreciation of predictive modeling as a complementary alternative to traditional deductive methods. Additional evidence on library holdings further supports previous conclusions regarding the survival of medieval manuscripts.
MO-D-BRF-01: Pediatric Treatment Planning II: The PENTEC Report On Normal Tissue Complications

With advances in multimodality therapy, childhood cancer cure rates approach 80%. However, both radiotherapy and chemotherapy may cause debilitating or even fatal ‘late effects’ that are critical to understand, mitigate, or prevent. QUANTEC identified the uncertainties relating to side-effects of adult treatments, but this is more complicated for children in whom a mosaic of tissues develops at different rates and temporal sequences. Childhood cancer survivors have long life expectancy and may develop treatmentinduced secondary cancers and severe organ/tissue injury decades after treatment. Collaborative long-term observational studies and clinical research programs for survivors of pediatric and adolescent cancer provide some dose-response data for follow-up periods exceeding 40 years. Data analysis is challenging due to the influence of both therapeutic and developmental variables. PENTEC is a group of radiation oncologists, pediatric oncologists, subsepcialty physicians, medical physicists, biomathematic modelers/statisticians, and epidemiologists charged with conducting a critical synthesis of existing literature aiming to: critically analyze radiation dose-volume effects on normal tissue tolerances as a function of age/development in pediatric cancer patients in order to inform treatment planning and improve outcomes for survivors; describe relevant physics issues specific to pediatric radiotherapy; propose dose-volumeoutcome reporting standards to improve the knowledge base to inform future treatment guidelines. PENTEC has developed guidelines for systematic literature reviews, data extraction tolls and data analysis. This education session will discuss:1. Special considerations for normal tissue radiation response of children/adolescents, e.g. the interplay between development and radiotherapy effects.2. Epidemiology of organ/tissue injuries and secondary cancers.3. Exploration of dose-response differences between children and adults4. Methodology for literature review, data mining of outcomes databases, and NTCP or longitudinal modeling of doseresponse. 5. PENTEC goals and timetable. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand important differences between normal tissue effects of radiation therapy in pediatric and adult patients. 2. Be able to identify situations where there is ‘interplay’ between organ development and radiation-induced complications. 3. Identify methods to systematically extract quantitative dose-volumeresponse relationships from existing outcomes databases. 4. Provide guidance for the medical physicist to properly understand, implement, guide and control contemporary technology and applications in pediatric radiation oncology.
A Method for Rearing Large Quantities of the Damselfly, Ischnura ramburii (Odonata: Coenagrionidae), in the Laboratory

ABSTRACT Laboratory based experimental designs typically require large sample sizes of genetically related organisms at the same developmental stage. Several described methods for rearing damselflies have been published, but these methods require laborious techniques when rearing large quantities of damselflies simultaneously. We have developed a relatively easy and inexpensive method for rearing large quantities of a coenagrionid damselfly that streamlines previously published methods and employs new techniques that increase efficiency and yield. Culturing large numbers of damselflies in the laboratory is manageable and opens diverse research avenues.
Crustaceans as models for metal metabolism: II. Induction and characterization of metallothionein isoforms from the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus)

Abstract To clarify the role of metallothionein (MT) in metal-regulatory processes in blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus), we have determined how many different MT isoforms are present and how these different forms respond to elevated dietary levels of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd). Anion-exchange HPLC showed two MT isoforms in control (CuZnMT-I, CuZnMT-II) and Cd-treated crabs (CdMT-I, CdMT-II) while three forms (CuMT-I, CuMT-II, CuMT-III) were present in Cu-treated animals. CuMT-III was induced to a much greater extent than CuMT-I or CuMT-II. In the case of Cd, however, the induction of CdMT-I was much more significant than that of CdMT-II. Purification of the metal-free MTs by reverse-phase HPLC and subsequent amino-acid analysis showed that CdMT-I, CdMT-II, CuMT-I, and CuMT-II were very similar, whereas CuMT-III was unique. After a combined exposure of Cd and Cu, five chromatographically distinct isoforms were observed that corresponded to the two Cd and three Cu isoforms. The expression of multiple isoforms after varied types of metal exposure indicated that regulation of crab metallothionein isoforms may be metal-safe specific.
Presbyophrenia: a possible subtype of dementia.

Presbyophrenia is characterized by memory impairment, disorientation, confabulation, hypomanic features, and a preserved social facade. These occur in the absence of prior history of alcoholism or affective illness. We present three cases with presbyophrenia and suggest that the syndrome is a recognizable subtype of dementia, possibly related to disruption of aminergic pathways in frontal and subcortical structures. (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1993;1:25–28).
The State, the Clergy, and British Imperial Policy in Afghanistan during the 19th and Early 20th Centuries

The political and dynastic history of Afghanistan during the 19th and the early 20th centuries is well known. So is British imperial policy toward Afghanistan. However, very little attention has been paid to the role of the clergy, the guardians of the Islamic order and the representatives of the civil society in Afghanistan. They played a major role in domestic politics and in Afghanistan's challenges with foreign powers. This paper attempts to fill the gap in information about the ulama by detailing their role in defending Afghanistan's territorial integrity and by examining the conflict over jihad between the ulama and Afghanistan's rulers, a conflict that adversely affected the legitimacy of successive regimes.
The connexin43-dependent transcriptome during brain development: importance of genetic background.

Abstract Use of null mutant mice is a powerful way to evaluate the role of specific proteins in brain function. Studies performed on knockout mice have revealed some unexpected roles of the gap junction proteins (connexins). Thus, analyses of gene expression in connexin43 (Cx43) null brains indicated that deletion of a single gene (Gja1) induced expression level change of numerous other genes located on all chromosomes and involved in a wide diversity of functional pathways. The significant overlap between alterations in gene expression level, control and coordination in Cx43 knockout and knockdown astrocytes raised the possibility that Gja1 represents a transcriptomic node of gene regulatory networks. However, conditional deletion of Gja1 in astrocytes of two mouse strains resulted in remarkably different phenotypes. In order to evaluate the influence of the genetic background on the transcriptome, we performed microarray studies on brains of GFAP-Cre:Cx43f/f C57Bl/6 and 129/SvEv mice. The surprisingly low number of Cx43 core genes (regulated in all Cx43 nulls regardless of strain) and the high number of differently regulated genes in the two Cx43 conditional knockouts indicate high influence of mouse strain on brain transcriptome. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Electrical Synapses.
The Nurse as the First Line of Defense Against Periodontal Disease

Pregnancy gingivitis is one of the most frequent forms of periodontal disease seen by nurses. Nurses can be an invaluable 'first line of defense' against this malady. A basic dental diagnostic procedure for the nurse is presented in this paper.
Nucleotide C4′ radical fragmentation is base-dependent

Abstract Nucleotide C4′ radicals undergo radical ionic fragmentation with expulsion of the 3′-phosphate giving a 3′,4′-radical cation. With a series of mononucleotides it is shown that the rate of this fragmentation is a function of the base (T ∼ G > ABz > A ∼ C) with the least basic, less-hydrogen bonded nucleotides fragmenting more rapidly in aqueous methanol.
Abstract B41: Consider the source: Normal lung expression classifies cancer histologies, subtypes, and mutations

Lung cancer9s pathogenesis from normal cell to metastatic disease involves vast and complex genetic alterations. However, a patient9s genetic alterations do not completely explain the pathogenic process, for tumors with the same alterations have different features and therapy responses. We hypothesized that differences in ancestral anatomical regions affect pathogenesis and as such would correlate with differences in cancer histology, subtype, and mutations. Anatomical distal and proximal region specimens from normal lungs were collected and assayed by Agilent 44K gene expression microarrays and immunohistochemistry (IHC). 271 surgically extracted lung cancers were assayed by gene expression, IHC, and gene sequencing for EGFR, KRAS, STK11, and TP53. Using the normal lung specimens, a novel classifier was created to assign cancers with an anatomical region using gene expression alone. Cancers classified as distal by gene expression were 84% adenocarcinoma, while 73% of those classified as proximal were squamous cell carcinoma (P
The Devil’s Lying Wonders

That demonic agents can work wonders is a staple of much Judeo-Christian theology. Believers have proposed various means by which the Devil's work can be distinguished from the miracles wrought by God, primarily so that no one is led astray by the Devil's 'lying wonders. I consider the likelihood of our using the suggested criteria with any success. Given certain claims about the demonic nature and certain facts about the way theists often handle the problem of inscrutable evil, it seems unlikely that any of the criteria I examine can be relied upon.
Rapid, Quantitative Analysis of Cell Cycle Stages of Cold-Sensitive Derivatives of the Chinese Hamster Cell Line CHO-K1

Cell cycle parameters of two cold-sensitive Chinese hamster cell lines have been determined by flow cytometric analysis of cell populations stained with the DNA specific fluorochrome mithramycin. The most striking finding is a depletion of S phase cells, detectable as early as 12 h after a shift to the nonpermissive temperature of 30.0° C and complete by 24 h following the shift. There is a substantial increase in the proportion of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle compared to wild type cells under identical conditions but, surprisingly, the proportion of cells having a G2/M DNA content is quite similar in the two populations. The proportion of tetraploid cells present in these populations is not sufficient to account for this observation. Reversibility of the cold-induced block was tested by returning cells held for three days at the nonpermissive temperature to the permissive temperature. Cells having a G1 content of DNA do reenter the S phase, beginning approximately 8 h after a return to the permissive temperature.
Plasma membrane transformations in spermatogenesis revealed by aldehyde fixatives containing tannic acid.

During spermatogenesis in the rat, the plasma membrane of the germ cell undergoes an abrupt change. The change appears in electron micrographs as a reduction of the electron density or as a reorganization of the outermost lamella of the unit membrane or both. The change occurs in the developmental stage between type B spermatogonia and early spermatocytes and is most clearly depicted in tissues fixed in glutaraldehyde—tannic acid followed by osmium tetroxide. The change is specific to germ cells and is not evident in Sertoli cells. The origin of the new type of germ cell plasma membrane has not been determined; however, it is noted that a population of thin-membrane cytoplasmic vesicles with asymmetrically stained membranes is present in spermatogonia before plasma membrane transformation but nearly absent in spermatocytes after plasma membrane transformation. The asymmetrical membranes of these cytoplasmic vesicles could be precursor material for the new, or transformed, type of germ cell plasma membrane. The plasma membrane changes noted above persist through spermatid development.
Adaptation as a cause of apparent aversiveness of prolonged rewarding brain stimulation.

Abstract To test whether persistent rewarding brain stimulation becomes aversive or adapts, rats were given a choice between increasing or turning off persistent brain stimulus. It is concluded that prolonged rewarding brain stimulation adapts because rats usually prefer to increase a persistent brain stimulus.
No, no, no...

In the Editors' Choice selection “Detection of NO” (7 July, p. 15), the editor says that “Nitrous oxide (NO) is implicated in many metabolic processes.” Don't you mean nitric oxide? As far as I know, the main thing nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is implicated in is dentistry. Yes, we did
Estimating the height of the nocturnal urban boundary layer for dispersion applications

We analyzed three data sets to examine methods to estimate the height of the stable boundary layer (SBL) in the complex setting of an urban area. We focused on a data set from a field study that we conducted in Riverside, California, in 2011 in which surface micrometeorological variables were measured using a sonic anemometer. In addition, profiles of temperature and relative humidity were measured with a tethersonde up to a height of 500 m. These measurements, supplemented with data from other field studies, were used to evaluate representative diagnostic and prognostic models for the SBL height. As expected, these models performed poorly in the spatially inhomogeneous setting of the urban area. The time integrated friction velocity (u*), with time starting at sunset, provided the best estimate of the height. This formulation is useful because we show that the surface friction velocity can be estimated with a measurement of wind speed at one height, and an estimate of the surface roughness length.
Effectiveness of a worker-worn electric-field sensor to detect power-line proximity and electrical-contact

Abstract Problem Construction workers suffer the most electrocutions among all industries. Currently, there are no electrical contact warning devices on the market to protect workers. This paper proposes a worker-worn electric-field sensor. As the worker is in proximity to, or in contact with, a live power-circuit, the sensor sets off an audible/visual warning alarm. The sensor also has the potential to wirelessly trip a wireless-capable circuit breaker, and to trigger a wireless transmitter to notify emergency response of an electrical contact. Methods An experiment was conducted to measure electric-field variation on simulated human-wrists (10 defrosted hog-legs) in various proximities and in electrical-contact to a simulated power-circuit. The purpose of these tests was to determine the feasibility of developing a worker-worn electric-field detection sensor for use in protecting workers from contact with energized electrical conductors. Results This study observed a significant electric-field-magnitude increase as a hog-leg approaches the live-circuit, and the distinct electric-field-magnitude jump as the leg contacts with the live-circuit. The observation indicates that this sensor can be an effective device to warn the workers of electrical hazards. Additionally, the sensor has the potential to wirelessly trip a wireless-capable circuit-breaker and trigger a wireless transmitter (such as a cell phone) to notify an emergency response. The prompt notification prevents the worker from further injury caused by postponed medical-care. Impact on Industry Widespread use of this sensor could lower electrocution and electrically related injury rates in the construction industry.
Brief paper: Robust minimum variance linear state estimators for multiple sensors with different failure rates

Linear minimum variance unbiased state estimation is considered for systems with uncertain parameters in their state space models and sensor failures. The existing results are generalized to the case where each sensor may fail at any sample time independently of the others. For robust performance, stochastic parameter perturbations are included in the system matrix. Also, stochastic perturbations are allowed in the estimator gain to guarantee resilient operation. An illustrative example is included to demonstrate performance improvement over the Kalman filter which does not include sensor failures in its measurement model.
Introduction of cytochrome P450IA2 metabolic capability into cell lines genetically matched for DNA repair proficiency/deficiency.

We introduced into the CHO cell line the cDNA of the mouse cytochrome P3450 (P450IA2) gene, which oxidizes aromatic amines. A cDNA clone of P3450 was transfected into mutant UV5 cells, which is defective in nucleotide excision repair. Expression of the P3450 cDNA was measured using 9000 x g supernatant (S9) fractions from CHO cells to evaluate Salmonella TA1538 mutagenicity with the mutagen 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ). The P3450-expressing clone UV5P3 was reverted to repair proficiency using ethyl methanesulfonate to obtain the UV-resistant clone 5P3R2, which maintained the same level of P3450 protein activity as UV5P3. These genetically similar cell lines were compared for toxicity and mutation induction at the aprt locus. With 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (the most prevalent mutagen found in fried beef) the differential sensitivity due to repair deficiency/proficiency was approximately 40-fold, and with IQ there were smaller, but significant, differences in sensitivity. These genotoxic effects occurred at doses that were approximately 10 times lower than those that previously gave similar effects in S9-mediated assays. Thus, these cell lines should be valuable for genotoxicity analysis as well as important for assessing DNA repair when evaluating compounds that undergo metabolic activation.
Crystalline ice growth on PT(111): observation of a hydrophobic water monolayer.

The growth of crystalline water films on Pt(111) is investigated using rare gas physisorption. The water monolayer wets Pt(111) at all temperatures investigated (20-155 K). At low temperatures (T 135 K) do not wet the water monolayer. These results are consistent with recent theory and experiments suggesting that the molecules in the water monolayer form a surface with no dangling OH bonds or lone pair electrons, giving rise to a hydrophobic water monolayer on Pt(111).
Detection of an NRAS mutation in Erdheim-Chester disease

To the editor: In a recent paper in Blood , Haroche et al reported dramatic efficacy of vemurafenib in 3 cases of multisystem and refractory Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) and Langerhans cell histiocytosis harboring the BRAF V600E mutation.[1][1] The findings of an ∼50% prevalence of BRAF
Gene expression analysis of an H2O2-resistant lens epithelial cell line

Abstract Gene expression patterns were examined in lens epithelial cells conditioned to grow in 125 μM hydrogen peroxide in order to define the protective mechanisms that may be involved in survival during oxidative stress. RNA was extracted from normal and hydrogen peroxide-resistant αTN4 mouse lens epithelial cells. Gene expression was evaluated using Differential Display (DD) and RT-PCR. Upregulation of mRNAs for antioxidant and cellular defense enzymes was observed. The highest elevation detected was a 14-fold increase in catalase in the hydrogen peroxide-resistant cells. Glutathione peroxidase, ferritin, and αB-crystallin were upregulated 2-fold, and reticulocalbin was upregulated 6-fold in the resistant cells. αA-crystallin was downregulated 5-fold, while aldose reductase and mitochondrial gene products were unchanged. Thus, in the αTN4 mouse lens cell line, long-term exposure to high levels of hydrogen peroxide elicited an upregulation of transcripts for enzymes involved in hydrogen peroxide degradation, metal binding, and chaperone function. Since mitochondrial gene transcription is sensitive to hydrogen peroxide, the presence of normal levels of mitochondrial transcripts, in this study, demonstrates the effectiveness of the antioxidant defense systems.
Chromatin boundaries require functional collaboration between the hSET1 and NURF complexes

Chromatin insulators protect erythroid genes from being silenced during erythropoiesis, and the disruption of barrier insulator function in erythroid membrane gene loci results in mild or severe anemia. We showed previously that the USF1/2-bound 5′HS4 insulator mediates chromatin barrier activity in the erythroid-specific chicken β-globin locus. It is currently not known how insulators establish such a barrier. To understand the function of USF1, we purified USF1-associated protein complexes and found that USF1 forms a multiprotein complex with hSET1 and NURF, thus exhibiting histone H3K4 methyltransferase- and ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling activities, respectively. Both SET1 and NURF are recruited to the 5′HS4 insulator by USF1 to retain the active chromatin structure in erythrocytes. Knock-down of NURF resulted in a rapid loss of barrier activity accompanied by an alteration of nucleosome positioning, increased occupancy of the nucleosome-free linker region at the insulator site, and increased repressive H3K27me3 levels in the vicinity of the HS4 insulator. Furthermore, suppression of SET1 reduced barrier activity, decreased H3K4me2 and acH3K9/K14, and diminished the recruitment of BPTF at several erythroid-specific barrier insulator sites. Therefore, our data reveal a synergistic role of hSET1 and NURF in regulating the USF-bound barrier insulator to prevent erythroid genes from encroachment of heterochromatin.
A eukaryotic carboxyl‐terminal signal sequence translocating large hydrophilic domains across membranes

Yeast Golgi ecto-ATPase Ynd1p is an unusual type III membrane protein with the longest translocated N-terminus reported. Sequential deletion analysis reveals that translocation of this 500-residue-long hydrophilic domain across the membranes requires the C-terminal transmembrane domain of Ynd1p and its flanking regions. Additional studies indicate that the topogenic sequence of Ynd1p overrides the effect of a reverse signal-anchor sequence present at the N-terminus of Ynd1p, while it is not affected by a classic signal sequence at the N-terminus. When placed at the C-terminal end, the sequence can translocate large extracellular domains of two membrane proteins across the membranes. The data demonstrate the existence of a true eukaryotic C-terminal signal sequence.
Work hardening of dispersion-hardened crystals

Abstract A new theory of work hardening in dispersion-hardened single crystals—by which we mean soft crystals containing hard non-deforming particles of a second phase—is described. It is based on the fact that, if the particles do not deform plastically, and the interface between particle and matrix does not fracture, then secondary slip must occur locally round each particle when the crystal is deformed, even though the crystal may appear to deform by ‘single slip’. The density of secondary dislocations rises steeply with strain, and acts as a forest impeding the movement of primary glide dislocations. The theory predicts a relation between stress and strain (eqn. (9)) which is in good agreement with experimental results. Fracture of the particle-matrix interface, and the importance of the strength of this interface, are discussed.
Choosing Progeny-Tested Holstein Sires That Meet Genetic Goals at Minimum Semen Cost

Six genetic goals were investigated with linear programming for their effect on minimum semen cost, sires selected for service, and economic values. In the goals were predicted difference milk, predicted difference percent milk fat, repeatability milk, predicted difference type, repeatability type, composite scores for mammary conformation and for body conformation, and the percent of herd semen requirement available. Data for all traits were readily available to Holstein breeders for progeny-tested sires. The minimum semen cost of the six goals ranged from $5.69 to $25.37. Twelve sires from the 31 sires in the data set were recommended for at least one genetic goal. Four to six sires were selected to meet each genetic goal. Resulting economic values ranged from $0 to $.10 per kilogram predicted difference milk, from $0 to $1,047 per percentage change predicted difference percent milk fat, and from $0 to $76.70 per unit change of predicted difference type.
HEURISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF A DIRAC–GOLDHABER MODEL FOR LEPTON AND QUARK STRUCTURE

All three charged lepton pole masses are given to O(10-5) accuracy by $(m_e, m_\mu, m_\tau)=(313.85773~{\rm MeV})[1+\sqrt{2}\,{\rm cos}\,\theta_k]^2$, where θk = 2πk/3 + 2/9 with the generation number k = 1, 2, 3. In the context of a Dirac model, it is shown that this empirical formula for the charged leptons admits a satisfactory S3-parametrized extension for the scale-independent pole masses of quarks and Majorana neutrinos; in particular, the top quark mass emerges as 177.698 GeV. A physical-geometrical interpretation of the mass formula supports Dirac's and Goldhaber's proposals: leptons and quarks of the same generation are identical in size and shape. Specifically, their self-interaction mass appears to be concentrated on spherical surfaces of radii $r_k =\ell\,{\rm Re}(1 +\sqrt{2}z_k)$, in which the Kahler radial complex coordinate zk is a root of the Calabi–Yau condition $z^3=\exp(\dot 2i/3)$ for the envelopment of the particle surfaces and l is a fundamental length constant.
Wavelet-based limiting performance analysis of mechanical systems subject to transient disturbances

Wavelets are used as the basis functions for control forces in the limiting performance analysis of a mechanical system subject to transient loading. The limiting performance problem, an open-loop control problem, can then be treated as a mathematical programming problem. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of using wavelets. Conventional approximate representations of the control function are interpreted in terms of the scaling function and multiresolution.
A comparison of buffering strategies for the CMS routing/sequencing problem

Abstract In this paper, the authors discuss and evaluate the design of alternative buffering strategies for use in Cellular Manufacturing Systems. Of particular interest is the performance of flexible control policies for routing and sequencing in the presence of two very different buffering configurations. One approach makes use of de-centralized buffers associated with each manufacturing cell. This configuration facilitates the use of ‘push’ dispatching rules for material flow and a hierarchical control approach for routing and sequencing. The second configuration involves the use of central buffers at key routing decision points, which facilitate the use of ‘pull’ dispatching rules and simultaneous solution to the routing and sequencing problems. The authors evaluate realistic scenarios using simulation and overcome the inherent difficulty of modeling pull dispatching systems in the presence of flexible inter-cell routing conditions. Sensitivity analysis is performed relative to several key parameters in an effort to identify factors affecting Cellular Manufacturing System design in general.
Ribonucleoproteins in Archaeal Pre-rRNA Processing and Modification

Given that ribosomes are one of the most important cellular macromolecular machines, it is not surprising that there is intensive research in ribosome biogenesis. Ribosome biogenesis is a complex process. The maturation of ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) requires not only the precise cleaving and folding of the pre-rRNA but also extensive nucleotide modifications. At the heart of the processing and modifications of pre-rRNAs in Archaea and Eukarya are ribonucleoprotein (RNP) machines. They are called small RNPs (sRNPs), in Archaea, and small nucleolar RNPs (snoRNPs), in Eukarya. Studies on ribosome biogenesis originally focused on eukaryotic systems. However, recent studies on archaeal sRNPs have provided important insights into the functions of these RNPs. This paper will introduce archaeal rRNA gene organization and pre-rRNA processing, with a particular focus on the discovery of the archaeal sRNP components, their functions in nucleotide modification, and their structures.
A stochastic locomotor control model for the goldfish (carassius auratus)

The locomotor pattern of a goldfish may be described by 17 locomotor variables whose time series are known to exhibit distinct patterns of autocorrelation. The present model reduces the set of 17 variables to a set of seven predictor variables which optimize the prediction of future locomotor behavior. These seven variables are then grouped into two clusters by a dendogram analysis, and it is shown that the clusters are also characterized by their strength of prediction. A locomotor control model is then formulated where one cluster is interpreted to be a level of activity factor and the other is hypothesized to be a turning behavior factor.
Real-time machine-vision-based position sensing system for UAV aerial refueling

This paper describes the design of a Real Time Machine-Vision (MV) Position Sensing System for the problem of Semi-Autonomous Docking within Aerial Refueling (AR) for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). In this effort, techniques and algorithms have been developed and extensively tested in the MATLAB/Simulink® Soft Real-Time environment as well as in Linux/RTAI Hard Real-Time environment. The overall MV software performs several tasks, such as the image acquisition from a real camera, the Feature Extraction (FE) from the acquired image, the Detection and Labeling (DAL) of the features, and the tanker-UAV Pose Estimation (PE). A Cyclic Asynchronous Buffer (CAB) mechanism was implemented for inter-process communication among Real Time and Non Real Time processes. The entire sensing system was tested using an 800 MHz PC-104 computer. The results confirmed the feasibility of executing image processing algorithms in real-time using off-the-shelf commercial hardware to obtain reliable relative position and orientation estimations.
INTERMEDIATE STATE OF THIN SUPERCONDUCTORS.

The purpose of this study was to examine the state of a thin type-I superconductor in a magnetic field to determine its dependence on the specimen thickness and on the value of the Ginzburg-Landau parameter κ. Three materials (aluminum, indium, and In0.99Pb0.01) with values of the Ginzburg-Landau parameter ranging from 0.19 to 0.34 were studied. Specimen thicknesses ranged from 200 to 200,000 A. All of the materials studied were type-I or nonlocal superconductors in the bulk. Yet, it has been predicted that they would behave in ways characteristic of type-II or local superconductors if the specimen were sufficiently thin. For intermediate thicknesses the specimens were expected to be in one of many possible states. We have inferred from critical field studies that the structure of the intermediate state in thin type-I superconductors is equivalent to the type-II vortex state for very thin films (d ≪ ξ0), and to the type-I macroscopic domain state for very thick films d ≳ 2ξ(t). For thicknesses between these limits the intermediate-state structure takes on many forms as the area of each normal domain and the amount of flux threading it increases with increasing thickness.
High-field specific heat of the spin-fluctuation system UAl/sub 2/

Measurements of the low-temperature specific heat, both in 0- and 7-T applied field, and magnetic susceptibility on polycrystalline, unannealed single-crystal and annealed single-crystal samples of UA${\mathrm{l}}_{2}$ show no sample dependence for these properties to \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5%, in contrast to recent results for Ti${\mathrm{Be}}_{2}$. Measurements of the specific heat of the annealed single crystal of UA${\mathrm{l}}_{2}$ from 2 to 23 K in fields to 12.5 T and from 4 to 16 K in fields to 17 T indicate a partial (\ensuremath{\sim}40%) suppression of the spin-fluctuation contribution, which occurs at 2 K in 12.5 T, and the possible existence of a small competing effect which increases the specific heat with increasing field above 4 K. These results are compared with recent magnetization and magnetoresistivity results which indicate suppression of spin fluctuations in UA${\mathrm{l}}_{2}$ between 15 and 20 T.
"What's on the worker's mind": class passing and the study of the industrial workplace in the 1920s.

Posing, living, and laboring as American workers, several 1920s reformist labor investigators sought to develop an alternative to Frederick Taylor's famous characterization of a typical manual laborer as mentally akin to an ox. Through their experiences as workers, they believed that they gained real if limited access to working-class psychology. Accordingly, they presented views of the worker's mind that significantly loosened the strictures of hereditarian and, especially in the case of foreign-born workers, scientific racist thought. But their efforts were shaped by their own backgrounds and biases, and by those of the academic authorities upon whose work they built, and were also mediated through the complexities of their efforts to pass across the class line. Their work finally lent itself less to the purposes of industrial democracy and reform than to those of the rising 1920s schools of industrial psychology, industrial sociology, and personnel relations.
Aerosol and gas deposition to fully rough surfaces: Filtration model for blade-shaped elements

Abstract Rates of particle and gas transport to rough surfaces from turbulent flows can be related to the collection efficiencies of the individual roughness elements. Transport to the fully rough surfaces is rapid so the (average) concentration is nearly constant from the main flow into the roughness layer, and the rate limiting step is deposition to the roughness elements. Expressions for the deposition rate can be derived using filtration theory, modified to take into account the high Reynolds number flow around the elements. Data from the literature on particle and gas transport to blades of artificial grass can be correlated using the nondimensional variables of filtration theory. The correlation is satisfactory over more than nine orders of magnitude of the deposition variable and shows proper limiting forms in the small and large particle size ranges.
Three-dose vs extended-course clindamycin prophylaxis for free-flap reconstruction of the head and neck.

Background Twenty-four hours of perioperative antibiotics provides effective prophylaxis for most head and neck cancer resections. Many reconstructive surgeons have been hesitant to apply this standard to free-flap reconstruction of the head and neck. This prospective clinical trial compared short-course and long-course clindamycin prophylaxis for wound infection in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing free-flap reconstruction. Methods Seventy-four patients were randomized to receive short-course (3 doses) or long-course (15 doses) clindamycin perioperatively. Wound infections, fistulas, and other postoperative complications were documented by faculty surgeons who were blinded as to treatment group. Results The differences in wound infections and other complications were statistically insignificant. No other independent predictors of wound complications emerged in this series of patients. Conclusions Short-course clindamycin is as effective as long-course clindamycin in preventing wound infections after free-flap surgery for head and neck ablative defects.
Widely tunable, high power external cavity semiconductor lasers

While considerable attention has rightly been paid to the spatial coherence properties of high-power semiconductor lasers, very little work has been done to optimize their temporal coherence, as might be required by applications such as pulsed-Doppler laser radar, widespread optical clock distribution in dispersive channels, and spectroscopy. Here we describe the operation of a wide stripe GRIN-SCH-SQW laser in external cavities. A high-reflectivity coating ( R - 85 %) was deposited on one side and a anti-reflection coating (R < 1%) was deposited on the other (internal) facet. A simple mirror external cavity gave maximum threshold reduction (to the original threshold current) but the longitudinal mode spectrum was broad and unstable. By contrast, when a diffraction grating was used as the external reflector, the laser operated up to at least 2.5 'th in a single, < 0.5 A, instrument limited longitudinal mode which was tunable over more than 300 A. Using this configuration the laser produced more than 500 mW in pulsed mode. The output wavelength was extremely stable with respect to variations in current and temperature.
Scanning electron microscopy of developing primary endoderm during first 6 hours of incubation in the chick.

Development of primary endoderm in the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) is described in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) supplemented by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Although complicated by great variability, the ventral surface of the blastoderm reveals this process during the first 6 hours of incubation. Primary endoderm arises (1) from the hypoblast, (2) from the margin of the area pellucida, and (3) from intervening protions of the area pellucida. The early hypoblast becomes several cells thick while individual cells are still spherical. TEM reveals a variety of immature cell junctions. During subsequent flattening of these cells into primary endodermal epithelium, numerous filopodia arise from their surfaces. These are 0.20–0.25 μm in diameter. They become long and branched, attaching to each other and to other cell bodies. Similar filopodial processes are present less conspicuously among cells in the margin of the area pellucida. Here, there is pseudopodial evidence that cells or cell sheets creep along the ventral surface of the epiblast. The filopodia disappear as cell flattening proceeds. The ventral surface of the exposed epiblast delaminates cells that become free after their exploratory filopodia and lamellipodia are put forth. Lateral contacts among cell bodies from the above three sources increase until a continuous epithelium is formed. The primary endoderm of the embryo, a simple squamous epithelium that separates the connective tissue space above from the gastrocoele below, is generated by these developmental events. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Approximation scheme for quantum chromodynamics

An approximation scheme is proposed for calculating masses of $Q\overline{Q}$ mesons in quantum chromodynamics. The vacuum instability is removed, not by giving the magnetic field an expectation value, but by enhancing the amplitude of the low-frequency components of the virtual magnetic field. A simple truncation of the Schwinger-Dyson equations incorporates such an effect. Rough numerical calculations indicate that the equations for the gluon propagator have a solution which increases logarithmically at large distances. Clustering does not hold for multigluon Green's functions. Instead, if generally believed properties are found to be true for the two-gluon function, they are assumed to be true for the higher functions. Equations for the quark propagator and the $Q\overline{Q}$ bound states are set up. The ladder approximation is totally inadequate in the confinement region, but we can make a reasonable approximation which leads to static forces at large distances. Corrections probably involve vibrational modes of the dual string. At high energy, linearly rising $Q\overline{Q}$ Regge trajectories with the expected quantum numbers are found. The scheme is free from dimensionless parameters if the quarks have zero bare mass. Our equations possess the possibility of chiralsymmetry breaking. Massless "pions" would then appear as $Q\overline{Q}$ bound states; massless $\ensuremath{\eta}$'s would not appear if closed quark loops were included.
Truncated Cotton Subtilase Promoter Directs Guard Cell-Specific Expression of Foreign Genes in Tobacco and Arabidopsis

A 993-bp regulatory region upstream of the translation start codon of subtilisin-like serine protease gene was isolated from Gossypium barbadense. This (T/A)AAAG-rich region, GbSLSP, and its 5′- and 3′-truncated versions were transferred into tobacco and Arabidopsis after fusing with GUS or GFP. Histochemical and quantitative GUS analysis and confocal GFP fluorescence scanning in the transgenic plants showed that the GbSLSP-driven GUS and GFP expressed preferentially in guard cells, whereas driven by GbSLSPF2 to GbSLSPF4, the 5′-truncated GbSLSP versions with progressively reduced Dof1 elements, both GUS and GFP expressed exclusively in guard cells, and the expression strength declined with (T/A)AAAG copy decrement. Deletion of 5′-untranslated region from GbSLSP markedly weakened the activity of GUS and GFP, while deletion from the strongest guard cell-specific promoter, GbSLSPF2, not only significantly decreased the expression strength, but also completely abolished the guard cell specificity. These results suggested both guard cell specificity and expression strength of the promoters be coordinately controlled by 5′-untranslated region and a cluster of at least 3 (T/A)AAAG elements within a region of about 100 bp relative to transcription start site. Our guard cell-specific promoters will enrich tools to manipulate gene expression in guard cells for scientific research and crop improvement.
Fetal protein malnutrition impairs acquisition of a DRL task in adult rats.

Abstract Developing rats were either malnourished or adequately nourished during the prenatal period by feeding their dams diets of 6% (low) or 25% (adequate) casein content 5 weeks prior to mating and throughout pregnancy. All pups received adequate nutrition from the day of birth onwards. Beginning at 160 days of age male rats were tested in a DRL-18 sec operant task. It was found that prenatal malnutrition impaired performance during acquisition, though asymptotic levels were not significantly different. Subsequent limited hold DRL-18 sec schedules in which late as well as early responses went unrewarded indicated that the timing ability of the prenatally malnourished rats was excellent and similar to that of the controls. These late effects of fetal protein malnutrition are discussed in terms of the difficulty in adapting to the change from CRF to DRL-18 sec (possibilities include a reduced ability to develop a timing strategy or increased sensitivity to the change in reinforcement contingencies), while retaining the ability to time responses accurately once the task was acquired.
Panretinal photocoagulation and retinal oxygenation in normal and diabetic cats

We measured preretinal oxygen tension over laser-treated and intact retina in normal and diabetic cats. The oxygen tension was significantly higher over the area given panretinal photocoagulation than over the intact retina when the cats breathed 100% oxygen and the same trend was seen when the cats breathed 21% oxygen. There was no difference in preretinal oxygen tension between the normal and diabetic retinas. Light and electron microscopy showed laser damage to the mitochondria-rich photoreceptors in the outer retina as well as the retinal pigment epithelium. The inner retina showed no photocoagulation damage. Because panretinal photocoagulation destroys parts of the outer retina, thus reducing its oxygen consumption and allowing oxygen to diffuse from the choroid into the inner retina, it improves the oxygen supply to the inner retina.
Seasonal food shortages in West Africa

Most of the West African region is free from the preharvest seasonal undernutrition which has plagued populations in developing areas. However in a part of the sudanic zones of West Africa, the previous years' cereal harvest does not always suffice to prevent severe food intake restrictions before the next harvest. Evidence of this phenomenon is provided by narratives of seasonal life, food intake surveys, and body weight measurements.
Development of Babesia microti sporozoites in adult Ixodes dammini.

Abstract The ability of Babesia microti parasites to develop in salivary glands of adult Ixodes dammini ticks was determined. Parasites acquired by larval ticks did not survive into the adult stage; in contrast, about 1 4 of adults acquiring infection during the nymphal stage became infectious. Nymphal I. dammini salivary glands were more intensely parasitized than were adult salivary glands. The ultrastructural morphology of sporozoites developing in adult salivary glands closely resembled that of sporozoites in nymphal glands. Salivarian sporozoites derived from adult ticks produced infection when inoculated into susceptible hosts.
Experimental Verification of Model Pressurized Thick-Walled Cylinder With Numerical and Theoretical Methods

Pressurized thick-walled cylinders undergo repeated cycles of high stress and temperatures that may severely shorten the life of the component. Testing pressurized cylinder can help to evaluate the strength of the cylinder. This research seeks to determine the pressure to which the component is subjected by instrumenting the outside of the cylinder, and to evaluate hoop strain and hoop stress of the internal and external surface of the pressurized thick-walled cylinder. This study provides experimental results and then compares them with theoretical and numerical data for the cylinder under investigation. Using the experimental method, an axial load up to 15,000 lb is applied to the cylinder using a Landmark 370 MTS unit to generate pressure inside the cylinder wall. Lame equations are used to calculate hoop stress theoretically. The numerical data is obtained using finite element simulation (ANSYS) to calculate hoop stress and hoop strain at the internal and external surfaces of the cylinder. This work provides useful information for evaluating the strength of thick-walled cylindrical structures in a laboratory setting.Copyright © 2011 by ASME