cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PARTIAL PURIFICATION AND KINETICS OF γ‐GLUTAMYL TRANSPEPTIDASE FROM BOVINE CHOROID PLEXUS

— γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase from bovine choroid plexus has been shown to be a membrane-bound enzyme. Partial purification of the enzyme has been accomplished using detergent extraction and ammonium sulfate fractionation. Important determinants of enzymatic activity with acceptor substrates included chain length, stereoisomerism, and amino acid composition of the acceptors. L-Methionine was the best amino acid substrate and its corresponding peptides L-methionylmethionine and L-methionyl-L-serine were also good γ-glutamyl acceptors. L-Alanine and glycine were poor acceptor substrates; whereas, some peptides containing these amino acids were excellent substrates. Glycylglycine was significantly more effective as a γ-glutamyl acceptor than glycine, triglycine, or tetraglycine. L-Alanylglycine was a superior acceptor to glycine, L-alanine, or L-alanylglycylglycine, while the D-isomer of alanylglycine was only minimally effective as an acceptor substrate. In general glycyl peptides were the best acceptor substrates examined. Our findings that γ-glutamyl transpeptidase could catalyze the transfer of γ-glutamyl groups to glycylglycyl-L-alanine and L-alanylglycylglycine are of special interest, since few examples of tripeptide acceptors for the enzyme have been found. It is suggested that γ-glutamyl transpeptidase might play a role in the inactivation and/or transport of biologically active peptides.
A multi-purpose Alyavdin-Rosin-Rammler-Weibull chart

Abstract The chart described enables size distribution and kinetic data to be presented graphically without the kind of congestion frequently observed with log versus log and semi-log plotting. It is especially useful for comparing sets of data, for example, experimental with simulated. The chart can also be used for fitting equations to data.
Stock Structure and Dynamics of Longnose Gar and Shortnose Gar in the Wabash River, Indiana-Illinois

ABSTRACT Little information exists on the stock characteristics and dynamics of longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) and shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus). We examined the size and age structure, mortality, growth, and condition of both species from the Wabash River, Indiana-Illinois, from June through August 2006. Longnose gar ranged from 492 to 1,224 mm in total length (TL) and from 250 to 5,600 g in wet weight (WW), while shortnose gar ranged from 498 to 776 mm in TL and from 350 to 1,900 g in WW Longnose gar and shortnose gar ranged in age from 2 to16 and 2 to12 years, respectively. Total annual mortality ranged from 13 to 17% for longnose gar and from 25 to 29% for shortnose gar. Annual growth in length was most rapid through age 6 for longnose gar (range, 18 to 100 mm/yr) and age 4 for shortnose gar (range, 9 to 48 mm/yr). Variation in relative condition of longnose gar and shortnose gar was heterscedastic over the size range of fish collected, but there was no significant relationship between re...
Calculation of Turbulent Diffusion for the Chirikov-Taylor Model

A probabilistic method for the solution of the Vlasov equation has been applied to the Chirikov-Taylor model. The analytical solutions for the probability function and its second velocity moment have been obtained. Good agreement between the theory and numerical computations has been found.
Preloading of micromolar intracellular Ca2+ during capacitation of Sicyonia ingentis sperm, and the role of the pHi decrease during the acrosome reaction.

In studying the mechanism controlling the sperm acrosome reaction (AR) in the marine shrimp Sicyonia ingentis, intracellular Ca2+ and pH were measured using the fluorescent indicators Fura-2 and Fluo-3 for Ca2+, and SNARF-1 for pH. Capacitated sperm possessed an apparent resting Ca2+ concentration of 1–2 μM which remained constant upon induction of the AR with egg water. Uncapacitated sperm had extremely low Ca2+ levels and did not respond to egg water. These results suggest that, while in other species the Ca2+ is elevated to micromolar levels during initiation of the AR, S. ingentis sperm are preloaded with Ca2+ during capacitation and the trigger for the AR is downstream of the Ca2+ increase. The notion that Ca2+ influx is not involved at the actual time of the AR in capacitated S. ingentis sperm is supported by the inability of Ca2+ ionophore A23187 to induce the AR and the ineffectiveness of Ca2+ channel antagonists to block egg water-induced AR. Measurements of capacitated sperm pH showed a significant decrease during the first 10–15 min of the AR, which did not correlate temporally to either acrosomal exocytosis (at 5 min post-induction) or filament formation (after 45 min). Inhibition of egg protease activity required for induction of filament formation did not inhibit the pH drop, indicating that intracellular acidification is not the final trigger for filament formation, although it may be required prior to action of the protease. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
CATEM, A Coherent Target and Environment Model for Sonar Analysis

Major limitations exist in using conventional sonar analysis techniques to predict system performance. Insensitivity of these analysis procedures to signal phase, time delay and spatial effects may be of major concern. The Coherent Acoustic Target and Environment Model (CATEM) is designed to efficiently and accurately predict system performance. The model processes, in a digital manner, the signals that are seen by a sonar located on a moving platform. Program architecture and methods used therein to simulate the signals that emanate from different acoustic sources are discussed. Examples of the simulated sonar system outputs are given that can be compared to actual system performance.
Proteomic Interrogation of Androgen Action in Prostate Cancer Cells Reveals Roles of Aminoacyl tRNA Synthetases

Prostate cancer remains the most common malignancy among men in United States, and there is no remedy currently available for the advanced stage hormone-refractory cancer. This is partly due to the incomplete understanding of androgen-regulated proteins and their encoded functions. Whole-cell proteomes of androgen-starved and androgen-treated LNCaP cells were analyzed by semi-quantitative MudPIT ESI- ion trap MS/MS and quantitative iTRAQ MALDI- TOF MS/MS platforms, with identification of more than 1300 high-confidence proteins. An enrichment-based pathway mapping of the androgen-regulated proteomic data sets revealed a significant dysregulation of aminoacyl tRNA synthetases, indicating an increase in protein biosynthesis- a hallmark during prostate cancer progression. This observation is supported by immunoblot and transcript data from LNCaP cells, and prostate cancer tissue. Thus, data derived from multiple proteomics platforms and transcript data coupled with informatics analysis provides a deeper insight into the functional consequences of androgen action in prostate cancer.
The Influence of Authoritative Teaching on Children’s School Adjustment Are Children with Behavioural Problems Differentially Affected?

Children with significant behaviour problems are at risk for poor classroom adjustment and school failure. Given this likelihood for a poor developmental trajectory, there is a need to better understand environmental influences within classrooms that help to effectively socialize children to those settings. The current study evaluated the effects of two socialization processes, the provision of warmth and of control (i.e. authoritative teaching) on urban, American, elementary school-aged children’s school adjustment (n = 693). The results suggest a small but positive association between authoritative teaching and three of the four school adjustment indices examined in the study. This effect was similar for all students; no differential effects for children with significant externalizing behaviour problems were noted. Results are discussed in light of theory and school-based intervention and prevention efforts. Implications of these findings on the roles and responsibilities of school psychologists are pro...
The Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) Contributes to the Progression of Emphysema in Mice

Several recent clinical studies have implied a role for the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and its variants in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study we have defined a role for RAGE in the pathogenesis of emphysema in mice. RAGE deficient mice (RAGE-/-) exposed to chronic cigarette smoke were significantly protected from smoke induced emphysema as determined by airspace enlargement and had no significant reduction in lung tissue elastance when compared to their air exposed controls contrary to their wild type littermates. The progression of emphysema has been largely attributed to an increased inflammatory cell-mediated elastolysis. Acute cigarette smoke exposure in RAGE-/- mice revealed an impaired early recruitment of neutrophils, approximately a 6-fold decrease compared to wild type mice. Hence, impaired neutrophil recruitment with continued cigarette smoke exposure reduces elastolysis and consequent emphysema.
The wonderful world of wiki benefits students and instructors

In order to educate students on the software engineering process, the University of Alabama in Huntsville requires computer engineering students to work as a group on a mock project. Along with the final source code, the group is expected to turn in all relevant requirements, design, and test documents along with their revision histories, tracked by the method of our choice. Based on experience with past classes, we had found that managing a single report across a group without a master repository involves many different versions being moved around via e-mail messages, thumb drives, and project notebooks. Combining this disorganization with limited meeting time outside of class and the chances of easily completing this heavily documented project began to look slim. We needed a better solution. Our answer was a wiki combined with software configuration management (SCM) and source browsing tools. This article not only explains the advantages of using our solution but also shows how to set up our development platform from scratch.
ON RELATIVE REAL HOLOMORPHY RINGS

LetF be a formally real function field (i.e., −1 is not a sum of squares inF) of transcendence degreen over ℝ. LetA be a finitely generated ℝ-subalgebra ofF whose field of quotients isF. The real holomorphy ringH(F|A) ofF overA is the intersection of all valuation rings ofF which containA and have formally real residue field. The ringH(F|A) has been extensively studied and applied by Becker, Schulting and others. It is known to be a Prufer domain of Krull dimension not exceedingn and from this it can be shown that every finitely generated ideal ofH(F|A) can be generated byn+1 elements. Here, assuming thatA is regular (i.e., every localization with respect to a prime ideal is regular local), we give necessary and sufficient topological conditions in order for every finitely generated ideal ofH(F|A) to admitn generators. We also provide a geometric description ofH(F|A).
Pion interferometry as a probe of the plasma

Pion interferometry can provide a clear signal for the formation of high-density, moderate-pressure matter in ultrarelativistic collisions. This is shown by numerical simulations of various scenarios of the high density dynamics.
Corrigendum to Spherical Marcinkiewicz-Zygmund inequalities and positive quadrature

Professor Dr. Joachim Stockler has kindly pointed out to us that our proofs [2] of the estimates (4.5) and (4.9) are valid only in the case when we do not require the quadrature weights aξ to be nonnegative, since the Krein-Rutman extensions of nonnegative functionals are not guaranteed to be norm-preserving. The purpose of this note is to point out that the existence of nonnegative weights aξ satisfying (4.4) necessarily implies the following analogue (0.1) of (4.5). The existence of such weights was proved in the paper. (Here, and in the sequel, we use all the notation as in the paper.) ∥∥∥∥ aξ μq(Rξ) ∥∥∥∥ C,p′ ≤ c, 1 ≤ p′ ≤ ∞. (0.1)
Interferon-γ response region in the promoter of the class II MHC gene, DPA

Abstract The class II MHC gene DPA is inducible by interferon-γ (IFN-γ), whereas the DQB gene is not inducible in most cell types. To investigate the DNA region specifically responsible for inducibility or its lack that may be required (in addition to the elements required for constitutive expression of class II genes), hybrid promoters were constructed between the proximal 5′ regions of the DPA promoter up to −148 bp, which is IFN-γ inducible, and of the DQB promoter up to −160 bp, which is not inducible. As a result of these and previous studies [9, 10], the region of the DPA gene required for its IFN-γ inducibility was localized to 27 bp between −55 and −81, including the Y-box element and its flanking nucleotides.
Quantitative analysis of platelet activating factor (AGEPC) by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry

Platelet activating factor has recently been structurally described as the phospholipid 1-O-alkyl-2-O-acetyl-sn-glycerophosphocholine. It has been reported to be a putative chemical mediator of immunological reactions as well as an antihypertensive agent. A method to quantitate 1-O-alkyl-2-O-acetyl-sn-glycerophosphocholine using deuterium labeled 1-O-alkyl-2-O-acetyl-sn-glycerophosphocholine as an internal standard is described. When 60 ng of the2H3 labeled compound is employed, quantities as low as 10 ng can be measured. The standard curve for this quantitative analysis typically had a correlation coefficient of 0.999 even when the signal saturation effect of FAB was apparent. Thus quantitative analysis using the FAB ionization technique is feasible when one employs the stable isotope internal standard method.
Motivational Orientation, Error Monitoring, and Academic Performance in Middle Childhood: A Behavioral and Electrophysiological Investigation.

— Previous research suggests that academic motivation orientation relates to students’ causal interpretations about academic outcomes and their emotional reactions to those outcomes. The current study examines how student motivation may relate to certain neurophysiological systems that are thought to underlie the processing of successes and failures. In the cognitive neuroscience literature, the error-related negativity (ERN) in the event-related potential has been associated with error processing and the degree of an individual’s emotional investment in his or her performance. The current study examined the relation between academic motivational characteristics and ERN amplitude during a speeded reaction time task in 3rd- to 5th-grade students (n = 17). Intrinsically oriented students displayed larger amplitude ERN responses and made more internally directed attributions about their task performance. The findings suggest that students with high intrinsic orientation attribute performance to personal control and that their error-monitoring system is more strongly engaged by performance errors.
A new perspective of high Zr-content lead zirconate titanate

Abstract Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics with Zr/Ti ratios between 95/5 and 55/45 have been examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dielectric spectroscopy. It is believed that in the high Zr-content end of the PZT phase diagram that the relative phase stability is directly related to a coupling of the polarization to various oxygen octahedral rotational systems. The transformation between the high and low temperature rhombohedral ferroelectric phases (FER(HT)-FER(LT)) in PZT 90/10 was found to be associated with a transition between a high temperature M-type and a low temperature R-type oxygen rotational system. However, with increasing Ti-content (Zr/Ti<80/20) a transition between a disordered R-type tilted state to a low temperature ordered R-type tilted state was found near the FER(HT)-FER(LT) boundary. The transition between the disordered and ordered R-type tilted states became increasingly gradual with increased Ti-content. In the FER(LT) state, local strains due to random oct...
Development of insulin sensitivity in rat aorta after chronic propranolol treatment

Spontaneously hypertensive rats and normotensive Kyoto Wistar controls were divided into 3 groups of 10 animals each and treated with phenoxybenzamine (5 mg/kg once daily), propranolol (25 mg/kg twice daily) or saline (once daily). After 5 weeks the in vitro incorporation of D-[U-14C]-glucose into aortic lipids and glycogen was measured in the presence and absence of insulin (1 mU/ml). In both normotensive and hypertensive rats treated with propranolol 14C-incorporation into triglycerides was reduced. Furthermore, insulin significantly stimulated 14C-incorporation into triglycerides, phospholipids and glycogen in propranolol-treated hypertensive rats. This effect was not statistically significant (0.05 < p < 0.1) in propranolol-treated normotensives. Phenoxybenzamine treatment did not significantly modify aortic lipogenesis of glycogen synthesis from glucose. Chronic propranolol treatment of spontaneously hypertensive rats resulted in aortic tissue becoming sensitized to insulin. Possible mechanisms and explanations for this are discussed.
Measuring religiousness among older African Americans: Exploring race-of-interviewer effects

In recent years a number of studies have explored possible sources of nonrandom error and response bias in survey data on religion. Building on a longstanding body of work in the social sciences, we examine a neglected issue in this domain: the potential for race-of-interviewer effects, specifically in African Americans’ self-reports of various dimensions of religiousness. After outlining two competing perspectives on this issue—which we term racial deference and racial solidarity—we test relevant hypotheses using data from the African American oversample of a nationwide study of older adults. Results indicate that older blacks tend to report higher levels of non-organizational religious practices and subjective religiousness when interviewed by whites. A number of implications and promising directions for future research are discussed.
Application of a fiber-reinforced continuum theory to multiple deformations of the annulus fibrosus

Abstract Accurate tissue stress predictions for the annulus fibrosus are essential for understanding the factors that cause or contribute to disc degeneration and mechanical failure. Current computational models used to predict in vivo disc stresses utilize material laws for annular tissue that are not rigorously validated against experimental data. Consequently, predictions of disc stress resulting from physical activities may be inaccurate and therefore unreliable as a basis for defining mechanical–biologic injury criteria. To address this need we present a model for the annulus as an isotropic ground substance reinforced with two families of collagen fibers, and an approach for determining the material constants by simultaneous consideration of multiple experimental data sets. Two strain energy functions for the annulus are proposed and used in the theory to derive the constitutive equations relating the stress to pure stretch deformations. These equations are applied to four distinct experimental protocols and the material constants are determined from a simultaneous, nonlinear regression analysis. Good agreement between theory and experiment is achieved when the invariants are included within multiple, separate exponentials in the strain energy function.
The prostaglandin E2 receptor, EP2, regulates survivin expression via an EGFR/STAT3 pathway in UVB‐exposed mouse skin

We previously reported that cycloogenase (COX)-2-generated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) had anti-apoptotic effects in UVB-exposed mouse skin that involved EP2-mediated signaling (Chun et al., Cancer Res. 2007; 67: 2015). Because survivin is a regulator of cell survival, the possible involvement of COX-2 and EP2 in survivin expression following UVB exposure of mouse skin was investigated. In wild type mice, UVB exposure time-dependently increased the levels of survivin and phosphorylated-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), a transcription factor that regulates survivin expression; and COX-2- or EP2-deficiency significantly reduced their induction. Topical application of the COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, also reduced UVB-induced survivin levels. To further investigate the roles of PGE2 and EP2 in the regulation of survivin, indomethacin was used to inhibit UVB-induced endogenous PG production. UVB-induced survivin levels were reduced by indomethacin, and PGE2 and the EP2 agonist, butaprost, partially restored survivin levels. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a downstream effector of EP2 and EGFR inhibition (AG1478) significantly reduced UVB activation of STAT3 and survivin levels. UVB-induced epidermal apoptosis in COX-2-/- mice was reduced by butaprost and EGFR inhibition blocked butaprost’s protective effects. Furthermore, butaprost in the absence of UVB exposure time-dependently increased p-EGFR, p-STAT3, and survivin levels in naive mouse skin, whereas the EP4 agonist, PGE1 alcohol, did not significantly increase p-STAT3 or survivin levels. These data suggest that COX-2-generated PGE2 regulates survivin expression in mouse skin, in part, via an EP2-mediated EGFR/STAT3 pathway. Therefore, targeting the EP2/survivin pathway may provide a strategy for the chemoprevention/chemotherapy of skin cancer.
Up‐regulation of telomerase in human B lymphocytes occurs independently of cellular proliferation and with expression of the telomerase catalytic subunit

Telomerase activity is up-regulated 1000-fold higher in human tonsil germinal center B cells compared to resting naive or memory B cells, and telomerase expression can be re-activated in vitro resting B cells. To understand the mechanism(s) of telomerase regulation, quiescent B cell from peripheral blood or tonsil were activated with different combinations of various stimuli. Cross-linking surface (s)IgD or sIgM of B cells induced marked up-regulation of telomerase enzymatic activity in the absence of cellular proliferation. Low level cross-linkage of surface molecules by soluble anti-IgM did not up-regulate the telomerase activity. However, the inability of soluble anti-IgM to up-regulate the telomerase activity was corrected by additional signals from soluble anti-CD40 antibody engagement or IL-4 / IL-10. Activation of B cell proliferation with Epstein-Barr virus failed to up-regulate telomerase, further suggesting that up-regulation of telomerase is an event independent of B cell proliferation. Telomerase induction occurred in the late G1 phase of the cell cycle and did not require entry into S phase. Up-regulation of telomerase enzymatic activity correlated primarily with the induction of expression of the hTERT gene, the catalytic subunit to telomerase, suggesting that control of telomerase regulation resides at the level of the catalytic subunit of this holoenzyme.
Method to Evaluate TSP Sampler's Effectiveness as Field Reference

The interaction of Particle Size Distribution (PSD) with PM10 sampler characteristics will cause serious over-sampling problems for most agricultural dusts. To quantify this error in the field, an accurate reference of aerosol PSD and PM10 concentration is required. Past studies normally used Total Suspended Particle (TSP) samplers followed by the measurement of the PSD from TSP filter to estimate the PSD and PM10. However, studies have shown that the cut point of TSP samplers can shift between 13 and 60 microns, which can significantly affect estimation accuracy. In this paper, computer simulation was deployed to estimate the true PSD and PM10 in the air by using those measured by a TSP sampler. For PM10, the use of TSP samplers for the field reference of PM10 could be recommended since the estimated value was comparable to the true value when the TSP sampler's cut point is greater than 20 microns. A retrieval chart was generated to convert PSDs measured by a TSP sampler (with a fixed cut point) to true PSDs. To assess the effect of varying cut points of the TSP sampler on estimation of true PSD, another chart for the Coefficient of Variation (COV) among the estimated true PSD was produced. The COV chart mayprovide guidance of whether a TSP sampler is suitable for use as a field reference of aerosol PSD on a case-by-case basis.
New process for reducing the nucleic acid content of yeast.

IT has been shown that if single-cell protein is to be used as a primary protein source for human populations, the nucleic acid content should be reduced to a level which would allow a maximum intake in the range of 2 g of nucleic acid per day1. For a processing method to be acceptable, it must not only decrease the nucleic acid level to the required degree, but it must also be inexpensive and must not contaminate the product with undesirable chemicals.
US presidential elections and real GDP growth, 1961–2004

In this paper I show that, since 1960, an electoral cycle in US output growth can both be seen by the naked eye in the raw data and confirmed by a statistical analysis that allows for rational partisan effects as well as a wide range of control variables. That is, controlling for multiple lags of interest rate changes, inflation, money growth, energy prices, lagged output growth, government spending (or its growth) and temporary partisan effects, the timing of elections exerts a significant influence on quarterly real GDP growth.
Adolescent pregnancy, infant mortality, and source of payment for birth: Alabama residential live births, 1991-1994.

Abstract Purpose: To assess potential impact of programs to prevent adolescent pregnancy on infant mortality. Methods: Infants ( n = 247,503) born alive to Alabama residents from 1991 to 1994 were identified from birth cohort files and linked to infant death records. Deliveries funded by Medicaid, private insurance, and self-payers were studied separately. Relative risks (RR) and population attributable risks were calculated. The latter provided estimated percentages by which infant ( Results: Infants of mothers Conclusions: Programs to prevent first and subsequent adolescent pregnancies probably have little effect on infant mortality. Efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancies should not have a short-term goal of notably reducing infant mortality.
(9Z)-9,13-Tetradecadien-11-ynal, the sex pheromone of the avocado seed moth, Stenoma catenifer

The highly unsaturated aldehyde (9Z)-9,13-tetradecadien-11-ynal and the corresponding alcohol were identified as possible sex pheromone components of the avocado seed moth, Stenoma catenifer. The aldehyde as a single component attracted more male moths than caged virgin female moths, and addition of the analogous alcohol and/or acetate decreased attraction. A stereospecific synthesis of the pheromone is described.
High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for the Determination of Duloxetine and Desmethyl Duloxetine in Human Plasma

Abstract A high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed and validated for the analysis of duloxetine and desmethyl duloxetine in human plasma. Plasma was adjusted to pH 10 with 1.0 M sodium carbonate and extracted with hexane which contained 2% isopropyl alcohol. The concentrated extract was derivatized with dansyl chloride (500 μg/mL). A Phenomenex Primesphere 5 C18 HC column provided chromatographic separation of the analytes followed by fluorescence detection with excitation and emission wavelengths at 285 nm and 525 nm respectively. The linear dynamic range for both analytes was 2 ng/mL to 64 ng/mL with precision and accuracy of <10%.
Optoelectronic converters for marine use

Abstract The paper raises the problem of measurements concerning the operation of a ship power engineering system, concentrating on new optoelectronic converters based on the author's patents and shown against a background of known solutions. Two types of optoisolator of specialized construction are introduced. The first is a LED-photoresistive optoisolator and the second is an incandescent-photoresistive element. The main metrological properties of both types of optoisolator and arrangements for powering them under alternating current conditions are shortly described. The main part of the paper includes examples of possible applications of actual optoisolators in constructing compound analogue converters for marine use, e.g. converters of rms value to dc signal, an absolute frequency converter, a deviation frequency converter and a relative difference of two similar frequencies converter. The theoretical principles and some results of experiments on the converters under consideration are presented. Their main metrological properties are estimated. Constructional conditions allowing for the achievement of particular technical parameters are formulated. The final part of the paper presents the conclusions drawn.
Morphological observations of small granule-containing (chromaffin) cells in the celiac ganglion of the guinea pig, with emphasis on cell contacts.

Utilizing electron microscopic observation, several contacts between small, granule-containing cells (SGC) and postganglionic neurons (PGN) in the celiac ganglion of the guinea pig have been observed. A SGC in very close association with a PGN was seen to receive a distinct synaptic contact that contained many vesicles with dense cores. This contact was morphologically unlike cholinergic synapses previously reported on chromaffin cells. Because the SGC and PGN were clearly separated by a thin rim of satellite cell cytoplasm mutual to both cells, it is not known how or if the SGC would possibly exert a synaptic or paracrine effect on the PGN. Also, intraganglion SGC existed as large well-vascularized islands within the celiac ganglion. These intraganlion clusters sometimes contained more than 50 cells and perhaps could be considered to function as localized neuroendocrine components within the ganglion by secreting granule products into the nearby blood vessels for local or distant effects, although this certainly is not known. This work reports a unique synaptic ending upon a single-occurring SGC, which, in turn, closely approximates a ganglion neuron in a soma-somatic relationship. In addition, a very close association (but no actual contact) was observed between granule-containing processes, presumably emanating from the intraganglion clusters, and PGN. Whatever the function of ganglionic SGC may be, the exact relationship between SGC and PGN presumably would be of great interest and potential importance. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On the identification of beneficial and detrimental molecular forms of fibrinogen.

Fibrinogen is a central protein in blood coagulation. A functioning circulation system requires a precise balance between fibrin formation and removal, i.e. between the interaction of fibrin(ogen) with thrombogenic and fibrinolytic components of the blood. Fibrinogen and fibrin have also significant roles in wound healing, in tumor growth and metastasis as well as in defense mechanisms. All functions and interactions are mediated by specific structural elements of the molecule. Already in healthy individuals fibrinogen occurs in over a million nonidentical forms due to posttranslational modifications and genetic polymorphism. The various forms may show considerable differences in their functional properties. Alterations in distributions among preexisting forms as well as additional forms have been observed to accompany many types of disease. Furthermore, certain forms have been correlated with an increased risk to acquire disease. Monitoring the levels of various molecular forms is expected to be of considerable diagnostic and prognostic value in many types of disease.
Excitation of the Normal Modes of the Earth by Earthquake Sources

Summary Some century-old results, due to Rayleigh and Routh, are used to derive a very compact and simple representation for the transient response of the Earth to earthquakes. In particular, it is shown how the residual static displacement field is naturally represented in terms of the normal mode eigenfunctions.
Structure of multidrug-resistance proteins of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily.

Multidrug resistance of tumors, characterized by resistance against a variety of chemically unrelated anticancer agents, can be caused by overexpressio n of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins, such as P-glycoprotei n and MRP1. These multidrug-resistance proteins are plasma-membrane proteins that actively extrude chemotherapeutic agents from the cell interior, decreasing drug accumulation and thus, allowing the cells to survive in the presence of toxic levels of anticancer agents. ABC proteins contain multispanning transmembrane domains and nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs). The NBDs are responsible for the ATP binding/hydrolysis that drives drug transport, and their structure is conserved independently of the degree of primary-sequence homology. The transmembrane domains contain the drug-binding sites that are likely located in a flexible internal chamber that is sufficiently large to accommodate different drugs. It has been recently proposed that dimerization of the NBDs induced by ATP binding is a key step for the coupling of ATP hydrolysis to substrate transport. The power stroke for substrate transport can be the formation or the dissociation of the dimers. Since the NBDs and TMDs are tightly associated, association/dissociation of the NBDs may control the "gate" of the translocation pathway, formed by intracellular loops. In the case of P-glycoprotei n it seems that the power stroke for transport is ATP binding (and therefore NBD dimerization), and not hydrolysis, because the major conformational and functional changes seem to occur at this step.
Receiving gifts from commercial companies part 2: Example of general institutional guidelines

CME administrators have a responsibility to inform their institutions of new national norms regarding commercial gifts and to assist their institutions in developing consistent policies and procedures to deal with commercial gifts for all of the institution's activities. This article presents one institution's guidelines for receiving commercial support and gifts for all types of activities. Equally important, the processes of developing and implementing the guidelines are described. These processes were integral to the shaping of the guidelines, their acceptance, and their incorporation into routine operations.
Order without law? the role of certified management standards in shaping socially desired firm behaviors

Certified management standards (CMS), like norms, rely on decentralized enforcement processes to guide firm behaviors. I analyze how two elements of CMS—codification and certification—enable this institution to shape firm behaviors in settings where norms are ineffective. I further theorize that these same two elements limit the effectiveness of CMS by weakening enforcement processes. I contribute to institutional theory by identifying possibilities and limitations for normlike institutions to function beyond established boundary conditions.
Roll‐Casting of block copolymers and of block copolymer‐homopolymer blends

An improved technique for casting highly oriented films of block copolymers from solutions subjected to flow is presented. Polymer solutions were rolled between two counter-rotating adjacent cylinders while at the same time the solvent was allowed to evaporate. As the solvent evaporated, the block copolymers microphase separated into globally oriented structures. Using this method known as ‘roll-casting’ we present in this paper a study of the morphology of polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene (PS/PB/PS) triblock copolymer cast with and without additional high molecular weight homopolymers. The pure copolymer films consisted of polystyrene cylinders assembled on a hexagonal lattice in a polybutadiene matrix in a near single-crystal structure. Blends of copolymer with high molecular weight polystyrene and/or polybutadiene, phase separated into ellipsoidal regions of homopolymer embedded in an oriented block copolymer matrix. Annealing the films resulted in conversion of the homopolymer regions to spheres accompanied by some misalignment of the copolymer microdomains. The morphology of these films as revealed by TEM is discussed. A brief discussion of the flow field that develops in the experimental system is also presented and its similarity to the flow field of our previous work is shown. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A line-based parallel memory for QCA implementation

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) has been widely advocated as a new device architecture for nanotechnology. Using QCA, the innovative design of digital systems can be achieved by exploiting the so-called capability of processing-in-wire, i.e., signal manipulation proceeds at the same time as propagation. QCA systems require low power together with the potential for high density and regularity. These features make QCA an attractive technology for manufacturing memories in which the in-wire paradigm can be exploited for storage purposes. This paper proposes a novel parallel memory architecture for QCA implementation. This architecture is based on storing information on a QCA line by changing the direction of signal flow among three clocking zones. Timing of these zones requires two additional clocks to implement a four-step process for reading/writing data to the memory. Its operation has been verified by simulation. It is shown that the requirements for clocking, number of zones, as well as the underlying CMOS circuitry are significantly reduced compared with previous QCA parallel architectures.
Neoclassical Theory and the Optimizing Peasant: An Econometric Analysis of Market Family Labor Supply in a Developing Country

Few attempts have been made to test empirically the multitude of models formulated to describe household labor supply behavior in the context of rural labor markets in developing countries. In this paper refutable predictions are derived from a neoclassical multi-person household model based on competitive assumptions modified to take into account differences in landholding status. A national sample survey of rural households from India is used to estimate the parameters of the model for male and female agricultural workers from farm and nonfarm households. The estimates generally conform to the implications of the neoclassical-competitive framework.
Membrane-Based Forms for Innovative FRP Bridge Systems through Structural Optimization

The use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for new construction is still limited primarily due to high costs and designs based on shapes best suitable to conventional materials. The layered and fiber dominated structure of FRP composites is most efficient when used under in-plane stress demands. Structural forms that most efficiently use tensile stress carrying capacity are membranes or thin shells. An analytical investigation is presented where an innovative optimization algorithm for the integrated shape and laminate optimization of free-form FRP shells was developed and used to generate two new bridge systems that efficiently use FRP composites in membrane-based forms. One concept makes use of a FRP membrane working compositely with a concrete slab to resist flexure while the second uses the FRP membrane in a dual suspension system supporting a deck through diaphragms. The resulting designs and a discussion on their performance under optimal and nonoptimal loading are presented. While practical issues are still to be resolved, the presented approach and concepts can promote and provide insight to efficient structural forms for FRP composites.
Lack of direct coronary vascular effects of Escherichia coli endotoxin in dogs.

~~ Abstract. This study explored the hypothesis that coronary vascular injury and dysfunction result from intracoronary administration of Escherichia coli endotoxin (0.025 to 0.4 mg/kg) in dogs. Peak hyperemic coronary flow following a 15-sec period of stopped flow and the maximum flow in response to adenosine were used to estimate coronary vascular reserve. The wet-todry ratio of myocardial tissue was used to estimate extravascular water content as an indicator of vascular leak due to endothelial injury. Intracoronary saline was used as a control. Peak reactive hyperemia and maximum flow at constant coronary pressure were not different in the animals receiving intracoronary endotoxin (n = 6) and the animals receiving saline (n = 5) during 4 hr following treatment. In addition, wet-todry ratios were similar in these two groups. These data fail to support the hypothesis that endotoxin, per se, produces coronary vascular injury of sufficient magnitude to produce myocardial dysfunction. 0 1987 Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine.
Silica‐Uranium Fuel Systems

Presented are the irradiation results on two uranium-silica systems: a uranium oxide -Vycor-brand glass system and a 10% uranium oxide glass prepared by melting. The glasses were irradiated up to 15% depletion of the uranium at temperatures up to the softening points with no appreciable loss of fission- product gases. Included is an outiine of a procedure for impregnating leached, unfired Vycor-brand glass with uranium. Rare gas release from specimens is discussed. (auth)
Microcomputer implementation in secondary special education programs: A study of special educators; mildly handicapped adolescents; and administrators' perspectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the implementation and utilization of microcomputers in secondary special education programs. Twenty-two high school special education teachers, 24 mildly handicapped adolescents, and 8 administrators from six high schools in an urban school district were interviewed. Results indicated that, despite the district's considerable investment in hardware, software, and technical assistance, almost half of the teachers were not using microcomputers. Teachers who had at least one computer in their classroom were significantly more likely to use computers and to have positive attitudes toward computers. However, the predominant uses of microcomputers were limited to mathematics, drill-and-practice, and games. Special educators, administrators, and students did not view microcomputers as having a significant impact on instructional practices and programs. Lack of access to microcomputers and dissatisfaction with existing software were cited as major barriers to more extensi...
Endogenous tryptophan residues of cAPK regulatory subunit type IIβ reveal local variations in environments and dynamics

The amino terminal dimerization/ docking domain and the two-tandem, carboxy- terminal cAMP-binding domains (A and B) of cAMP- dependent protein kinase regulatory (R) subunits are connected by a variable linker region. In addi- tion to providing a docking site for the catalytic subunit, the linker region is a major source of sequence diversity between the R-subunit isoforms. The RII isoform uniquely contains two endoge- nous tryptophan residues, one at position 58 in the linker region and the other at position 243 in cAMP- binding domain A, which can act as intrinsic re- porter groups of their dynamics and microenviron- ment. Two single-point mutations, W58F and W243F, allowed the local environment of each Trp to be probed using steady-state and time-resolved fluores- cence techniques. We report that: (a) the tryptophan fluorescence of the wild-type protein largely reflects Trp243 emission; (2) cAMP selectively quenches Trp243 and thus acts as a cAMP sensor; (3) Trp58 resides in a highly solvated, unstructured, and mo- bile region of the protein; and (4) Trp243 resides in a stable, folded domain and is relatively buried and rigid within the domain. The use of endogenous Trp residues presents a non-perturbing method for studying R-subunit subdomain characteristics in addition to providing the first biophysical data on the RII linker region. Proteins 2003;51:552-561.
Rapid prototyping of a cost effective and flexible 4×4 mimo testbed

In this paper, we present the design of a low cost 4 times 4 multiple in multiple out (MIMO) wireless communications system testbed. Over recent years, an increasing number of research laboratories have begun experimental studies aimed at evaluating the achievable performance gains of MIMO technology as proposed in theory. The complexity of the experimental test platforms employed by these institutions have also increased over the years, supporting greater numbers of antennas while providing even more real-time computational processing power. These tremendous increases in capability, however, come at a very steep price which the vast majority of the wireless research community cannot afford. As an alternative, we present the design of a low cost 4 times 4 MIMO testbed for researchers solely interested in analyzing the physical layer performance of various MIMO technologies. As a demonstration of our testbed capabilities, we also present the results of a direction of arrival (DOA) experiment using the MUSIC algorithm and also cite another body of work on the experimental performance analysis of space, time, polarization diversity schemes which was also completed with use of the MIMO testbed described herein.
Decision Support System of County Power Network in the Framework of Integrated Automation

The framework of the integrated automation is set up for the county power network, which include the base automation level, dispatching automation level, management automation level and the decision automation level, and the detailed structure for every level is also established. Then the decision support system is designed in this framework according to the cost analysis oriented power market. Those works provide the theory base for realizing the integrated automation for the county power network.
Vaginal infections and prematurity.

: This is a review of four vaginal and cervical infections that may be associated with prematurity, premature rupture of the membranes, or low birthweight. Urea-plasma urealyticum, group B streptococcus, Chlamydia trachomatis, and anaerobic vaginosis are discussed, along with other data regarding intrauterine infection as a cause of prematurity.
d-Amino Acids Indirectly Inhibit Biofilm Formation in Bacillus subtilis by Interfering with Protein Synthesis

The soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis forms biofilms on surfaces and at air-liquid interfaces. It was previously reported that these biofilms disassemble late in their life cycle and that conditioned medium from late-stage biofilms inhibits biofilm formation. Such medium contained a mixture of D-leucine, D-methionine, D-tryptophan, and D-tyrosine and was reported to inhibit biofilm formation via the incorporation of these D-amino acids into the cell wall. Here, we show that L-amino acids were able to specifically reverse the inhibitory effects of their cognate D-amino acids. We also show that D-amino acids inhibited growth and the expression of biofilm matrix genes at concentrations that inhibit biofilm formation. Finally, we report that the strain routinely used to study biofilm formation has a mutation in the gene (dtd) encoding D-tyrosyl-tRNA deacylase, an enzyme that prevents the misincorporation of D-amino acids into protein in B. subtilis. When we repaired the dtd gene, B. subtilis became resistant to the biofilm-inhibitory effects of D-amino acids without losing the ability to incorporate at least one noncanonical D-amino acid, D-tryptophan, into the peptidoglycan peptide side chain. We conclude that the susceptibility of B. subtilis to the biofilm-inhibitory effects of D-amino acids is largely, if not entirely, due to their toxic effects on protein synthesis.