cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growth of λ variants with added or altered promoters in N-limiting bacterial mutants: Evidence that an N recognition site lies in the PR promoter

Transcription of the A genome, initiating at the early rightward promoter (Ps), traverses the cII-O-P operon and extends through the Q gene. In the absence of the A N function, this transcription is prematurely terminated at either of two termination sites, ts, and tR2. The cII-O-P operon lies distal to ts,, but proximal to tRz. A number of mutations resulting in new promoter activities (e.g., cl7 and ri”5bl mapping distal to ts,, but proximal to tR2, have been isolated. Although phages carrying the cl7 mutation grow in a normal Escherichia coli host, we find that A derivatives carrying this mutation will not grow in mutant E. coli K12 hosts, Nus-, which limit h growth by inhibiting the expression of N function. However, under the same conditions, a A phage containing only the normal A promoters grows significantly better in the Nus- hosts. Our studies demonstrate that under conditions of limited N expression, phage carrying the cl7 mutation can express functions coded for by genes in the cII-O-P operon, but not endolysin, a function coded for by a gene distal to tR2. Thus, under conditions of low N activity, functions whose genes lie downstream from the cl7 promoter without any intervening termination signals are expressed. On the other hand, functions whose genes lie downstream from this promoter with an intervening termination signal are not expressed. These results are consistent with a model of N action, which has N acting only with transcription initiating at a specific class of promoters (e.g., Pa), cl7 not being a member of this class. Although previous studies (Friedman and Ponce-Campos, 1975) have shown that the ri’5b promoter is also not a member of the N-utilizing class of promoters, we find that Ari’5b grows on Nus hosts. This suggests that whereas cl7 interferes with transcription from Pa, ri’5b does not show such an interference. We also find that A variants carrying two mutations v, and vsgz6, which map in the 0, - Ps region, exhibit the same growth characteristics in Nus- hosts as phages carrying the cl7 mutation. These observations imply that the combination of vg and vsR16 interfere with N-modification of transcription initiating at Pa, and lead us to conclude that one site for N recognition is located within the Pa promoter.
Modification of membrane permeability in vaccinia virus-infected cells

Abstract Infection of mouse L cells with vaccinia virus leads to a modification in the permeability of the cell membrane. This modification permits the entry of the translation inhibitor hygromycin B (MW 550). On the basis that some inhibition of protein synthesis is also observed in the presence of the protein toxin α-sarcin (MW 16,800), it seems likely that macromolecules can also cross the membrane in vaccinia virus-infected cells. The modification of the cell membrane is observed very early during infection, in the first hour of viral adsorption. After this time the cell membrane gradually reseals, restoring its normal permeability characteristics. The multiplicities of infection needed to observe these modifications in permeability are rather low; the presence of 3 PFU/cell (150 physical particles/cell) are enough to promote the entry of the inhibitor hygromycin B. Ultraviolet (uv)-inactivated vaccinia virus (17,280 ergs/mm 2 promotes the increase in membrane permeability. Moreover, the presence of actinomycin D (25 μg/ml) and cordycepin (100 μg/ml) did not inhibit the passage of hygromycin B suggesting that a virion component is responsible for this phenomenon. That an intact virion is required to permeabilize L cells, is supported by the findings that neither purified core particles, nor virion surface proteins can induce the inhibition of translation by hygromycin B. Since interferon treatment appears to induce chemical, physical, morphological, and immunological alterations in the cell surface, the effect of interferon on changes in membrane permeability following vaccinia virus infection was investigated. We find that the permeability of the cell membrane is enhanced in interferon-treated, vaccinia virus-infected cells when compared to untreated, infected cells.
Diagnostic fracture-injection tests with complex fracture networks

Abstract Diagnostic fracture-injection tests (DFIT) are small-volume fracturing tests used to estimate the minimum principal stress and other formation properties. Conventional DFIT interpretation techniques assume that injection forms a single, planar fracture perpendicular to the minimum principal stress. However, abundant evidence exists that hydraulic fracturing causes the generation of complex networks, especially in shale. A computational simulation of a DFIT test in a “complex” fracture network that includes both new and preexisting fractures was performed with a discrete fracture-network (DFN) algorithm that fully couples fluid flow with the stresses induced by fracture deformation and propagation. Results show that with fracture network complexity, standard DFIT interpretation methods might give erroneous results. More broadly, results suggest that hydraulic-fracture models and interpretation techniques need to be updated to include the effects of fracture-network complexity. The results are prel...
Effects of sublethal exposure to chlorine on the uptake of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners by rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri (Richardson)

Abstract Chlorine-induced changes in fish gill histopathology and respiration may alter the uptake of co-contaminants which are accumulated by passive diffusion across gill membranes. The effect of chlorine exposure on gill histopathology, respiratory functions, and the uptake of three polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners by rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri ) were determined. Trout gill lamellar lesions occurring during a 24-h exposure to 0.04 mg/l chlorine included proliferation of mucous cells, hyperplasia of epithelial cells, clubbed lamellae, and lamellar fusion. These types of pathological changes would be expected to result in increased diffusion distances of the gill membrane and decreased functional gill surface area. Reductions in oxygen and PCB uptake efficiencies measured in concomitant exposures to chlorine and PCBs using a fish metabolic chamber were consistent with the histopathological results. Increases in trout ventilation compensated for the lowered uptake efficiencies. As a result of ventilatory compensation, there was little change in the oxygen consumption or PCB accumulation by trout throughout the exposure to chlorine. Correlations between oxygen and PCB uptake may provide a basis for estimating toxicant uptake using oxygen uptake data as the basis for extrapolation.
Description of new skeletal remains of the early Eocene anaptomorphine primate Absarokius (Omomyidae) and a discussion about its adaptive profile

Abstract The early Eocene anaptomorphine Absarokius abbotti has previously been represented solely by dental remains. Recent field work in the Washakie Basin, southcentral Wyoming has yielded four skeletal elements attributable to this taxon: a distal humerus, a partial tibia, a talus, and a calcaneus. As expected, these elements are characterized by the euprimate morphotypic features shared by adapids and omomyids. These include a cylindrical humeral trochlea separated from a spherical capitulum by a distinct groove, a high talar trochlear body with medial and lateral margins of equal height, a long talar neck, an ovoid talar head, an anteriorly elongated calcaneus, a reduced calcaneal peroneal tubercle, and a pivotal calcaneocuboid articulation. Specializations beyond the euprimate morphotype include some additional anterior calcaneal elongation and an extensive and strong distal tibiofibular articulation. These specializations, along with other anatomical features, suggest an arboreal habitus that included frequent leaping for Absarokius . The specialized features of the tibia and calcaneus of Absarokius occur among a number of extant primate clades and thus are of limited use in determining phylogenetic relationships. Analysis of the shear crests on M2 of this small creature indicates that it was predominantly frugivorous and the relative size of its orbit as preserved on a number of maxillary fragments indicates that it probably had a nocturnal activity cycle.
Cardiovascular and Intestinal Responses to Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress During Prolonged Magnesium Deficiency

In rodents with dietary magnesium deficiency (Mg deficiency), hypomagnesemia, occurs leading to a rise in circulating substance P from neuronal tissues to trigger systemic inflammatory stress in cardiac and intestinal tissues. Sustained elevations of substance P may result from impaired neutral endopeptidase (NEP) activity due to reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species. Associated increase in intestinal permeability includes infiltration of WBC and endotoxemia, which can further amplify the systemic inflammatory response that leads to impaired contractile function associated with up-regulation of the cardiac CD14 endotoxin receptor. The neurogenic signal transduction pathways that we have identified in the pro-oxidant/pro-inflammatory processes found with prolonged hypomagnesemia are described in this report.
Rings Which Admit Faithful Torsion Modules

Let R be a ring with identity, and let M be a unitary (left) R-module. Then M is said to be torsion provided that for every m ∈ M, there is a nonzero r ∈ R such that rm = 0. In this article, we study the question of the existence (and nonexistence) of faithful torsion modules over both commutative and noncommutative rings.
REVIEW OF OPERATOR/MACHINE INTERFERENCE MODELS.

A practical problem of significant importance for many manufacturing systems is machine interference. Interference is undesirable and unnecessary machine idleness that is caused by allowing one (or more) operator(s) to tend several machines. When the service demands of machines are not synchronized, both operators and machines can experience interference. Interference obviously decreases the productivity of a manufacturing system. Most interference models are designed to attempt to minimize the cost of interference, or simply the interference itself. In this paper, we survey the literature and classify various interference problems, models and associated assumptions, and solution techniques. Theoretical results are given. Industrial applications of the models that have been reported in the literature are also described. Finally, future applications of such interference models to robotics and flexible manufacturing systems are outlined.
MRI of Hip Cartilage: Joint Morphology, Structure, and Composition

Background Accurate, reproducible, and noninvasive assessment of hip cartilage is clinically relevant and provides a means by which to assess the suitability of candidates for arthroscopic or open surgical procedures and the response to such interventions over time. Given the relatively thin cartilage of the hip and the complex spherical anatomy, however, accurately assessing the cartilage poses a challenge for traditional MRI techniques.
Inhibition of endogenous growth hormone secretion by exogenous growth hormone infusion in the rhesus monkey.

The acute release of growth hormone in response to the injection of Pitressin or to insulin hypoglycemia is a quantitatively reproducible phenomenon in rhesus monkeys maintained in a controlled environment. Animals were subjected to 2 stimuli, the first during a control period when plasma growth hormone concentrations ranged between 0 and 9.4 ng/ml and the second during an infusion of human growth hormone (0.92–1.75 μg/min) which elevated plasma growth hormone concentrations to 37–85 ng/ml, within the physiological extremes observed in rhesus monkeys. The second stimulus was given 2 hr after the beginning of the infusion. In all instances, the abrupt rise in plasma growth hormone concentration occasioned by the intravenous injection of 0.3 U/kg Pitressin (8 experiments) or 0.1 U/kg insulin (5 experiments) was markedly reduced or abolished by the growth hormone infusion. It is concluded that growth hormone can inhibit its own secretion in response to acute stimuli and that this effect may be of physiologic...
Use of CH3HgOH-agarose gels for the electrophoresis of heterogeneous nuclear RNA and messenger RNA from mammalian cells.

Abstract The size distribution of labeled hnRNA and mRNA from Hela cells and mouse Ehrlich ascites cells has been analyzed by gel electrophoresis in the presence of the denaturing agent CH 3 HgOH. Up to 43% of the mass of total hnRNA consisted of molecules at least 28 kilobases in size, provided this RNA had been extracted under conditions minimizing degradation. Ten to sixteen percent of the mass of polyadenylated hnRNA consisted of molecules larger than 13 kilobases, although the average molecular weight was less than that of total hnRNA. In comparison, more than 90% of the mass of labeled mRNA (total or polyadenylated) consisted of molecules smaller than 5.5 kilobases. A linear relationship was observed between appropriate functions of molecular weight and mobility for RNA molecules up to at least 13 kilobases in size, provided a low gel concentration and voltage gradient were employed. Increasing these parameters resulted in anomalously fast migration of large RNA molecules. Electrophoretic profiles were not significantly altered when the amount of poly(A) hnRNA was increased from about 1 to 50 μg per cylindrical gel. Thus CH 3 HgOH-agarose gel electrophoresis can be used preparatively for the fractionation of hnRNA. Aggregates containing labeled mRNA (formed in vitro in the presence of excess nuclear RNA) were dissociated by CH 3 HgOH. Partial degradation of high molecular weight RNA was observed after prolonged exposure to CH 3 HgOH.
Drilling speaking valves: A modification to improve vocalization in tracheostomy dependent children

Pediatric tracheostomy dependence is associated with a variety of sequelae. Vocalization delay is commonplace and may result in long-term communication disability. Passy-Muir speaking valves are routinely used to allow such children to vocalize. Unfortunately, not all tracheostomy dependent children can tolerate the placement of a speaking valve. Elevated transtracheal pressures are often associated with failure. We describe a method of modifying a standard Passy-Muir valve to decrease transtracheal pressures and thus improve tolerance of the valve. In our practice, the modification allows a broader range of children experience the benefit of speaking valve placement.
The Combined Anteversion Technique for Acetabular Component Anteversion

Abstract The combined anteversion technique for acetabular component placement of total hip arthroplasty is beneficial because of the surgeons' limited ability to control the anteversion of a cementless femoral stem. Our data show that the cementless stem anteversion can be 15° different than anticipated. By determining femoral stem anteversion before positioning cup anteversion, the cup anteversion can be adjusted for the stem anteversion. The combined anteversion technique should provide a mean near 35° with a safe zone of 25° to 50°.
Time flies faster if a person has a high working-memory capacity ☆

Attention affects the perception of time, and the ability to control attention is reflected in measures of working-memory capacity. Individuals with low working memory capacity have more difficulty maintaining focus on a task than high-capacity individuals, particularly when faced with contextual distracters. This experiment examined the effect of working-memory capacity on the perception of temporal duration while performing a cognitive task. We predicted that low-capacity participants would be more likely to direct attention away from the cognitive task and towards the contextual distraction of time, and consequently perceive temporal duration more accurately, and perform the cognitive task less accurately, than high-capacity participants. The results showed that when performing both tasks simultaneously, low-capacity participants were less accurate than high-capacity participants on the cognitive task, but were more accurate on the timing task. High-capacity participants, conversely, were more accurate in the non-temporal cognitive task at the cost of monitoring duration.
Interplay of DNA repair, homologous recombination, and DNA polymerases in resistance to the DNA damaging agent 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide in Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli has three DNA damage-inducible DNA polymerases: DNA polymerase II (Pol II), DNA polymerase IV (Pol IV), and DNA polymerase V (Pol V). While the in vivo function of Pol V is well understood, the precise roles of Pol IV and Pol II in DNA replication and repair are not as clear. Study of these polymerases has largely focused on their participation in the recovery of failed replication forks, translesion DNA synthesis, and origin-independent DNA replication. However, their roles in other repair and recombination pathways in E. coli have not been extensively examined. This study investigated how E. coli's inducible DNA polymerases and various DNA repair and recombination pathways function together to convey resistance to 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (NQO), a DNA damaging agent that produces replication blocking DNA base adducts. The data suggest that full resistance to this compound depends upon an intricate interplay among the activities of the inducible DNA polymerases and recombination. The data also suggest new relationships between the different pathways that process recombination intermediates.
A fetus with recombinant of chromosome 8 inherited from her carrier father

A pericentric inversion of chromosome 8, inv(8)(p23q22), in a male carrier resulted in an unbalanced recombinant, rec(8)dup q, inv(8)(p23q22), which was diagnosed prenatally. The features seen in the aborted fetus resembled the features seen in a previously affected child who received the identical recombinant from her carrier mother. In this particular inversion involving chromosome 8, both male and female carriers risk producing an unbalanced progeny. Different familial pericentric inversions are reviewed for the presence or absence of unbalanced recombinants.
Effect of multilure and its components on parasites of Scolytus multistriatus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae).

Several hymenopterous parasites ofScolytus multistriatus are attracted to components of its aggregation pheromone, multilure.Cheiropachus colon, Entedon leucogramma, Dendrosoter protuberans, Spathius benefactor, andCerocephala eccoptogastri are attracted in various degrees to multilure, its components (multistriatin, 4-methyl-3-heptanol, and cubebene), and component combinations.C. colon was trapped in greatest numbers, yet was usually less numerous thanE. leucogramma andD. protuberans in the study area. Impact of traps onC. colon may conceivably be reduced by multistriatin content in baits and/or by withholding traps untilS. multistriatus flight begins.
Impaired thromboxane synthesis in preactivated human blood platelets: agonist-specific, irreversible desensitization to thrombin.

Abstract The causes for reduced platelet thromboxane synthesis in patients with acquired platelet storage pool disease are incompletely understood. The present study was designed to define the nature of the defect(s) underlying diminished thromboxane synthesis in human platelets previously exposed to thrombin in vitro. Platelets pretreated with high concentrations of thrombin were unable to form measurable amounts of thromboxane in response to a second stimulation with thrombin. In contrast, thrombin-pretreated platelets formed additional thromboxane in response to arachidonate, collagen, or A23,187. Thrombin pretreated platelets did not recover with respect to thrombin inducible thromboxane synthesis when incubated for two hours in plasma either in the presence or absence of added arachidonic acid. These observations suggest that neither inactivation of cyclooxygenase nor depletion of endogenous arachidonic acid is responsible for the impaired thrombin-induced thromboxane synthesis in thrombinprestimulated platelets. Impaired thrombin-induced thromboxane synthesis in these platelets may be due to agonist-specific, irreversible receptor uncoupling.
Influence of oral contraceptive use on growth hormone in vivo bioactivity following resistance exercise: responses of molecular mass variants.

The purpose was to examine effects of oral contraceptive (OC) use on plasma growth hormone (GH) responses to heavy resistance exercise. Sixty untrained women were placed into one of two groups: currently using OC (Ortho Tri-Cyclen) (n=25; mean+/-SD: 24.5+/-4.2y, 160.4+/-7.1cm, 64.1+/-11.3kg) or not currently using OC (NOC) (n=35; 23.6+/-4.6y, 165.9+/-6.0cm, 65.7+/-10.3kg). Participants performed an acute heavy resistance exercise test (AHRET; six sets of 10 repetition squats; 2min rest between sets) during days 2-4 of the follicular phase (NOC group) or of inactive oral contraceptive intake (OC group). Plasma was obtained before and immediately after AHRET and subsequently fractionated based on apparent molecular weight (>60kD, 30-60kD, and 60kD subfraction compared to NOC group. No differences were observed for the tibial line bioassay. OC use augmented immunological GH response to AHRET in unfractionated plasma and >60kD molecular weight subfraction. However, OC use only increased biological activity of GH in one of two bioassays. These data demonstrated that GH concentrations at rest and following exercise are assay-dependent.
PSA‐detected prostate cancer: Contrasts with palpable disease

The clinical and pathologic characteristics of 100 consecutive men with clinically localized prostate cancer and staged by radical prostatectomy were reviewed. Men with impalpable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) detected cancers (T1c) were contrasted against men with palpable disease (TB). Lesions were clinically staged as T1c in 53 men and TB in 47 men. Mean serum PSA for men with T1c cancers was 11.8 +/- 0.7 ng/dL (normal: 0 > 4) and 14.1 +/- 1.7 ng/dL for men with TB disease. Histologic evaluation revealed a mean Gleason's sum of 6.4 +/- 0.2 (scale: 2 > 10) for T1c lesions and 6.6 +/- 0.2 for men with TB cancers (P = NS). DNA content was diploid in 67% of T1c cancers and 62% of TB lesions (P = NS). An overall 43% clinical staging error was observed. Extraprostatic extension was demonstrated in 36% of T1c cancers and 51% TB lesions (P = NS). PSA-detected cancers were indistinguishable from palpable lesions by all measures evaluated. Prostate cancers detected in asymptomatic men by an elevated PSA should be considered biologically significant lesions.
Polyphase Ceramic for Consolidating Nuclear Waste Compositions with High Zr‐Cd‐Na Content

The development of dense polyphase tailored ceramic forms for the immobilization of high-level nuclear wastes has been extended to an Idaho Chemical Processing Plant Fluorinel composition. The ceramic was designed to maximize waste loading and subsequent waste volume reduction without sacrificing chemical durability in aqueous environments. The ceramic, fabricated by hot isostatic pressing, consists of four main crystalline phases, calcium fluoride, zirconia, an apatite-structured solid-solution phase, and sphene. The form also contains a designed borosilicate glass phase, a Ni-Cd alloy, and a minor amount of crystalline zircon. The crystalline apatite solid-solution phase is the major host for incorporating the actinide simulants U, Ce, and Y, while the glass phase contains Cs and Sr. The calcium fluoride and sphene phases provide microstructural isolation of the radionuclide-containing phases. Since the glass and crystalline components of the ceramic are not phase compatible at all temperatures, the exact phase content is determined by the tailoring additives, consolidation temperature, and oxidation state control during processing. The simulated HLW ceramic has a density of 3.3 g/cm3 at a waste loading of 73 wt%.
The electron many-body problem in graphene

We give a brief summary of the current status of the electron many-body problem in graphene. We claim that graphene has intrinsic dielectric properties which should dress the interactions among the quasiparticles, and may explain why the observation of electron–electron renormalization effects has been so elusive in the recent experiments. We argue that the strength of Coulomb interactions in graphene may be characterized by an effective fine structure constant given by α(k, ω)≡2.2/(k, ω), where (k, ω) is the dynamical dielectric function. At long wavelengths, α(k, ω) appears to have its smallest value in the static regime, where α(k→0, 0)≈1/7 according to recent inelastic x-ray measurements, and the largest value in the optical limit, where α(0, ω)≈2.6. We conclude that the strength of Coulomb interactions in graphene is not universal, but is highly dependent on the scale of the phenomenon of interest. We propose a prescription in order to reconcile different experiments.
Increased tumor control rates in murine fibrosarcoma by combined therapy with L-alanosine and radiation.

Abstract L-Alanosine, an analog of L-aspartic acid, was investigated as one of a series of chemical compounds that may have inhibitory effects on the repair of potentially lethal damage caused by radiation using an in vivo murine fibrosarcoma (Meth-A tumor) in BALB/cBy male mice. The combined treatment of single administration of L-alanosine (600 mg/kg) and single dose of X-irradiation (20 Gy) on Meth-A tumors produced 62% tumor control, while the radiation alone resulted in less than 5% tumor control. The potentiating effect by L-alanosine was higher when the drug was administered 8 h prior to X-irradiation. The dose modification factor of the drug is estimated to be 1.4 for Meth-A tumor. The increased tumor control rates with combined alanosine and radiation were highly dependent upon the time and sequence of the combined treatment. The reason for reduced efficacy at treatment times of less than 8 h prior to X-irradiations appears to be related in part to the modulation of the body temperature by L-alanosine when combined with Ketamine, an anesthetic agent.
Metalloenzyme-Mimicking Supramolecular Catalyst for Highly Active and Selective Intramolecular Alkyne Carboxylation

Creation of synthetic catalysts with enzyme-like behavior is challenging despite strong interest in such systems. Extraction of tetrachloroaurate into the hydrophilic core of an interfacially cross...
Goodness-of-fit statistics based on weighted Lp-functionals

Abstract A class of test statistics is introduced which is based on the Lp-distance between distributions. It is shown to be asymptotically normal both under the null and under the alternatives. The class is easily adaptable to multivariate distributions and to situations when parameters are estimated. It can also be modified to handle distributions defined on circles or when the data are sampled minima.
Exploring the effects of age of alcohol use initiation and psychosocial risk factors on subsequent alcohol misuse

Objective: This study examines whether the age of initiation of alcohol use mediates the effects of other variables that predict alcohol misuse among adolescents and also whether the age of initiation of alcohol use accounts for known gender differences in the severity of alcohol misuse. Method: Data were taken from an ethnically diverse sample of 808 (412 male) students who were recruited in grade 5 at age 10-11 and followed prospectively on an annual basis for the next 7 years to age 17-18. State-of-the-art missing data methodology was used to address nonresponse due to noninitiation of alcohol use. Structural equation modeling was used to examine hypotheses for the prediction of alcohol misuse. Results: A younger age of alcohol initiation was strongly related to a higher level of alcohol misuse at age 17-18 and fully mediated the effects of parent drinking, proactive parenting, school bonding, peer alcohol initiation and ethnicity, all measured at age 10-11, and perceived harmfulness of alcohol use, me...
Development and validation of a whole genome amplification long-range PCR sequencing method for ADPKD genotyping of low-level DNA samples

Abstract Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is caused by mutations in two large genes, PKD1 and PKD2, but genetic testing is complicated by the large transcript sizes and the duplication of PKD1 exons 1–33 as six pseudogenes on chromosome 16. Long-range PCR (LR-PCR) represents the gold standard approach for PKD1 genetic analysis. However, a major issue with this approach is that it requires large quantities of genomic DNA (gDNA) material limiting its application primarily to DNA extracted from blood. In this study, we have developed a whole genome amplification (WGA)-based genotyping assay for PKD1 and PKD2, and examined whether this approach can be applied to biosamples with low DNA yield, including blood, buccal cells and urine. DNA samples were amplified by multiple displacement amplification (MDA) and a high-fidelity DNA polymerase followed by LR-PCR and exon-specific amplifications of PKD1 and PKD2 respectively, and Sanger sequencing. This method has generated large amounts of DNA with high average product length (> 10 kb), which were uniformly amplified across all sequences assessed. When compared to the gDNA direct sequencing method for six ADPKD samples, a total of 89 variants were detected including all 86 variations previously reported, in addition to three new variations, including one pathogenic mutation not previously detected by the standard gDNA-based analysis. We have further applied WGA to ADPKD mutation analysis of low DNA-yield specimens, successfully detecting all 63 gene variations. Compared to the gDNA method the WGA-based assay had a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. In conclusion, WGA-based LR-PCR represents a major technical improvement for PKD genotyping from trace amounts of DNA.
Structural analysis and experimental characterization of cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells subject to lateral impact

Abstract We report on modeling mechanical response of cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells that are commonly used in automotive applications when subjected to impact testing. The developed homogenized model that accurately captures mechanical response of a cell to lateral crash is reported. The proposed model was validated using static and dynamic experimental testing. Highly nonlinear mechanical deformations of the cells were captured experimentally using a high-speed camera and later characterized through computer tomography. Numerically, we have investigated the feasibility of using explicit finite element code for accurate modeling of impact on one cell, so it can be used for an entire battery pack that consists of hundreds or thousands of cells. In this study, we have developed and compared two homogenization methods for the jellyroll in a cylindrical lithium-ion battery cell. Homogenization was conducted in a lateral/radial direction. Based on the results of the homogenization, the material model utilizing crushable foam constitutive behavior was then developed for simulations. Experimental results showed a very good agreement with simulations, thus validating the proposed approach and giving us confidence to move forward with the crush simulations of an entire battery pack. Zones of potential electric shortages were determined based on the experiments and simulations.
International Expansion Decision for Construction Companies

There exist several reasons for construction firms to expand their business into international markets. But the complex international environment is affected by diverse factors and creates risks that are not well understood by companies that are active mostly in domestic markets. It is therefore essential for construction companies to follow a disciplined and well-informed strategy when deciding whether to enter international markets. Company strengths relative to conducting business in international markets, the threats and opportunities associated with overseas work, and the costs and benefits of undertaking construction projects in specific countries need to be considered in this decision. The interactions between the complex factors can be structured in a model that can help one to make a rational judgment. The International Expansion Decision Model developed in this study is based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) improved by the addition of a Delphi survey. The main objective of this research study is to facilitate the entry decision into foreign markets and to highlight the importance of the factors involved in this decision. This study is of relevance to practitioners as it allows executives of construction companies to test if their company is ready for expansion into international markets in general and into a specific country in particular. It is also of relevance to researchers as it demonstrates the successful use of the combined Delphi and AHP methods.
Retrograde solubility in semiconductors

The origin ofretrograde solubility has been an enigma since its discovery decades ago. Systems with a eutectic invariant which have retrograde solubility display a maximum in solidus concentration above the eutectic temperature. Many solutes used as dopants in silicon and germanium exhibit retrograde solubility, and as this phenomenon severely limits solute concentrations in solids, it has been of great concern in semiconductor processing. It is shown that previous explanations for ret-rograde solubility are insufficient, as they are based on circuitous arguments which describe only theeffects of retrograde solubility and never the origin of this phenomenon. An original derivation is presented here, which shows retrograde solubility to be caused by a miscibility gap in the free energy of mixing during solidification.
Phase relations of a silicide/silica reaction couple at 2273 K

The phase relations of a zirconium silicide/silica reaction couple have been investigated at 2273 K in air. After annealing times from 4 to 49 hours, the reaction couples, created by encapsulating zirconium disilicide in a quartz ampule, developed an interdiffusion zone and an inner core consisting of solidified zirconium silicide. The interdiffusion zone consisted of a silica layer, zirconia precipitates, and prior liquid silicide globules dispersed in prior liquid silica. Zirconia precipitates formed from the oxidation of the silicide melt between the protective silica layer and the two liquid regions of silicide and silica, as a result of oxygen diffusion. At 2273 K, the inner core consisted of liquid zirconium silicide (ZrSi)L, although the microstructure analysis indicated formation of proeutectic ZrSi2 and a eutectic microstructure of ZrSi2 and Si upon solidification. A constant oxygen potential developed within the interdiffusion zone and protected the silicide from oxidation even after 49 hours at temperature.
Macular translocation with radial scleral outfolding: experimental studies and initial human results

Purpose: Different techniques have been proposed for translocating the macula in patients with subfoveal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration. A new approach utilizing radial outfolding of the sclera was investigated. Materials and methods: Surgical techniques and retinal displacement were evaluated in animal trials using metal scleral clips. Successful translocation and reattachment of the retina was achieved in eight rabbits (eight eyes). We conducted a retrospective review of macular translocation surgery, performed with radial scleral outfolding, in a series of five consecutive human patients (five eyes) using full-thickness transscleral mattress sutures. Results: After surgery, vision improved in two of five patients, with one patient achieving a visual acuity of 20/50. The mean angle of rotation was 11.5 deg (range 8.6 –15.1). The mean amount of foveal displacement was 1276 µm (range 852–1620). Complications included one case of retinal detachment, one of diplopia, and one of subretinal hemorrhage. Conclusions : Limited macular translocation by radial scleral outfolding can improve vision in selected patients. Radial evagination appears to be as effective as circumferential infolding.
Diogenes revisited -the search for a valid model

PETER W. HOUSE has, since November of 1971, been with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency where he is assistant director of the Washington Environ mental Research Center in the office of Research and Development. He is the former president of Envirometrics, Inc. During his four and one-half years at the Washington Center for Metropolitan Studies and Envirometrics (April 1967-October 1971) he directed the development of three urban operation al simulation models, including the CITY models and the RIVER BASIN MODEL.Dr. House received his master's degree in economics from Clark University and thereafter went to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a research economist in the Economic Research Service (ERS). During his tenure at ERS (February 1960-March 1967) he performed a number of studies concerning suburban/ farmland and preferential tax assessment, and was selected to attend Cornell University to complete work on his doctorate.Currently, at EPA, Dr. House and his staff conduct studies and ...
Prioritizing Social Problems: An Exercise for Exploring Students' Attitudes about Social Problems

ferent social problems in class, students inevitably disagree with one another and they also disagree with me. Usually the disagreements are mild and respectful, but sometimes they can become emotional and heated. I have developed an exercise to address this difference in attitudes and opinions early in the course and to set the stage for smoother discussions later. Although the exercise generates lively discussions and can be used to introduce students to a lot of
SU‐E‐T‐726: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study for Production and Subsequent Interaction of Secondary Particles From Carbon‐Ion Radiation Therapy in Water

Purpose: To classify and quantify the secondary particles produced from energetic carbon ion interactions in water, their dose averaged linear energy transfer (LET)s and their dose contributions. Methods: A 1 mm diameter carbon ion pencil beam with various energies per nucleon was used in a GEANT4 simulation to interact with a 27 liter water phantom packed with 3000 rectangular detector sheets. The simulations involved processes arising from electromagnetic interactions (EMI) and hadronic interactions (HI). The EMI govern particles energy loss and straggling with atomic electrons and multiple scattering with atomic nuclei. The HI define ions elastic and inelastic scattering and nuclear interactions with atomic nuclei in the medium. Dose averaged LETs and dose contributions of primary and secondary particles were calculated. Results: The percentages of the total dose deposited in regions A and B of the phantom by primary and secondary particles were 93.54%, 85.61% and 76.60% in A; 28.97%, 17.77% and 13.08% in B, for beam energy/nucleon of 155, 262 and 369 MeV, respectively, where region A covered beam path from phantom surface to 90% distal edge of Bragg peak and region B covered from 90% distal edge of Bragg peak to 5 cm past Bragg peak. The secondary particles proton, 11C, alpha and 11B contributed 4.17%, 9.26% and 15.21% in region A and 49.10%, 55.13% and 58.07% in region B for beam energy per nucleon of 155, 262 and 369 MeV, respectively. Conclusion: The results of the simulations showed that those secondary particles that contributed major dose component had LETs 600 keV/micrometer contributed < 0.3% towards the total dose.
Stimulation of bone resorption and osteoclast clear zone formation by low pH: A time‐course study

The significance of low pH-induced stimulation of osteoclastic bone resorption has recently been questioned following the finding that embryonic chick osteoclasts were only weakly stimulated by extremely low pH (6.5) and that the effect was transient, apparently due to cytotoxicity. Although low pH in the range 6.8–7.2 is known to stimulate rat osteoclasts over 24 h, the long-term effects of low pH on mammalian osteoclasts are not known. We have therefore conducted time-course studies over 72 h on the effect of pH in the range 6.3–7.3 on bone resorption and cytotoxicity in both rat and chick osteoclasts. In neonatal rat osteoclasts, lowering extracellular pH produced a powerful and significant stimulation of resorption over 24 h. Detailed analysis of the resorption focus revealed that this was due mainly to a higher proportion of active osteoclasts at lower pH. In addition, osteoclasts excavated slightly larger pits at low pH. Stimulation was no longer significant at 72 h, however, due to a pH-dependent slowing of resorption at acid pH associated 1) with cytotoxicity primarily of nonosteoclastic cells and 2) with an acceleration of bone resorption after 24 h at more alkaline pH. Resorption stimulated by low pH was associated with the formation of actin-rich “clear zones” within the osteoclast. Chick osteoclasts were less sensitive to low pH than rat osteoclasts but nonetheless showed a consistently higher level of resorption at low pH over 24–72 h. These results suggest that protons play an important regulatory role in neonatal rat osteoclasts, and stimulate the formation of clear zones. The lower sensitivity of the chick osteoclast to acid pH may be due to a species difference or the chick osteoclast's higher basal level of resorption. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Effect of Human Lymphokine on the Growth of Trichophyton mentagrophytes

Lymphokine was tested for fungal growth inhibitory activity against the filamentous fungus Trichophyton menthagrophytes. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes from a donor exhibiting delayed type cutaneous hypersensitivity to a trichophytin skin test were cultured with trichophytin and PHA-P. Culture supernatants were assayed for lymphokine activity using the lymphotoxin sensitive mouse L-929 alpha fibroblast. Lymphocyte activation to PHA-P and trichophytin was confirmed by monitoring 3H-thymidine incorporation. Supernatants from 2-day PHA-P and 6-day trichophytin activated cultures were found to contain potent lymphokine activity. This activity was not diminished by the addition of ferric iron sufficient to saturate the contained transferrin. Supernatants from unstimulated control cultures contained no lymphokine activity. Undiluted lymphokine containing supernatants and nonlymphokine containing control supernatants were evaluated for fungal growth inhibitory activity using a sensitive radiometric growth assay. Iron supplemented supernatants retaining potent lymphokine activity did not inhibit fungal growth. Non-iron supplemented supernatants and fresh medium containing serum inhibited fungal growth. Our data suggest that lymphokine active against mammalian cells is not directly antagonistic to the growth of the filamentous fungus T. mentagrophytes but does not exclude the possibility that activated lymphocytes release a chelator such as transferrin that can inhibit fungal growth.
Effects of temperature-dependent material properties and radioactive heat production on simple basin subsidence models

Abstract The effects of applying laboratory-derived material parameters to simple thermal basin subsidence models are examined. The temperature-dependent properties of thermal conductivity, specific heat and the coefficient of thermal expansion are considered, as well as conductivity contrasts between the crust and mantle and lithosphere-scale radiogenic heat production. The effects of conductivity and radioactivity are complementary, and can be predicted from the way in which they influence the initial and final steady-state geothermal gradient. A convex-up initial gradient, such as is generated by the conductivity and radioactivity functions and is also assumed to be the case based on independent evidence, will lead to more initial subsidence than in a simple constant-parameter model. The final subsidence will also be greater in the modified model, due to the fact that the stretching event will result in a lithospheric column which is intrinsically cooler than in the pre-deformation case. Because the coefficient of thermal expansion rises with increasing temperature, including its temperature dependence will result in a model with substantially less initial subsidence than one with a constant value. When these parameters are combined into a single model, the initial subsidence is approximately 15–20% less than in the constant-parameter model if radioactivity is not included, and 10% less if it is, while the final subsidence is about 5% greater without radioactivity and 7–9% greater with radioactivity included. Depending on the magnitude of extension, these effects can translate into differences of tens to hundreds of meters when compared to the constant-parameter model.
Quantitative trait loci influencing low density lipoprotein particle size in African Americans.

Genomic regions that influence LDL particle size in African Americans are not known. We performed family- based linkage analyses to identify genomic regions that influence LDL particle size and also exert pleiotropic ef- fects on two closely related lipid traits, high density lipo- protein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides, in African Americans. Subjects (n 5 1,318, 63.0 6 9.5 years, 70% women, 79% hypertensive) were ascertained through sib- ships with two or more individuals diagnosed with essential hypertension before age 60. LDL particle size was measured by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and triglyceride levels were log-transformed to reduce skewness. Genotypes were measured at 366 microsatellite marker loci distributed across the 22 autosomes. Univariate and bivariate linkage analyses were performed using a variance components ap- proach. LDL particle size was highly heritable (h 2 5 0.78) and significantly (P , 0.0001) genetically correlated with HDL-C (rG 5 0.32) and log triglycerides (rG 52 0.43). Sig- nificant evidence of linkage for LDL particle size was pres- ent on chromosome 19 (85.3 centimorgan (cM), log of the odds (LOD) 5 3.07, P 5 0.0001), and suggestive evidence of linkage was present on chromosome 12 (90.8 cM, LOD 5 2.02, P 5 0.0011). Bivariate linkage analyses revealed ten- tative evidence for a region with pleiotropic effects on LDL particle size and HDL-C on chromosome 4 (52.9 cM, LOD 5 2.06, P 5 0.0069). These genomic regions may contain genes that influence interindividual variation in LDL par- ticle size and potentially coronary heart disease suscepti- bility in African Americans.— Kullo, I. J., K. Ding, E. Boerwinkle, S. T. Turner, and M. de Andrade. Quantitative trait loci influencing low density lipoprotein particle size in African Americans. J. Lipid Res. 2006. 47: 1457-1462.