cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carbohydrate vaccines that induce antibodies against cancer. 2. Previous experience and future plans.

The primary function of antibodies is the elimination of circulating viral or bacterial pathogens from the blood-stream, lymphatics and interstitial spaces, and so, once induced, antibodies should be ideally suited for eliminating tumor cells and micrometastases from these spaces as well. Natural or tumor-induced and vaccine-induced antibodies against human cancer-associated antigens have been correlated with an improved clinical outcome. In the mouse, passive administration of monoclonal antibodies against cell-surface antigens 1–4 days after tumor challenge, and active induction of antibodies with vaccines, has resulted in prolonged survival or complete protection from tumor growth. This is a setting similar to the adjuvant setting in humans. Carbohydrates are the most abundant antigens at the cell surface of cancer cells, where they play important roles in cell-cell interactions, proliferation and the metastatic process. They have been shown to be excellent targets for immune attack by antibodies against human cancers, especially in the adjuvant setting. Vaccines containing these carbohydrate antigens covalently attached to immunogenic carrier proteins, such as KLH, plus potent immunological adjuvants, such as QS-21, effectively induce antibodies against these antigens in patients, which can result in complement-mediated lysis of antigen-positive tumor cells. Phase III trials with KLH conjugate vaccines have been initiated in the adjuvant setting against two carbohydrate antigens, the ganglioside GM2 and the blood-group-related antigen sTn. As the immunogenicity of additional vaccines is confirmed in small pilot trials, trials with polyvalent vaccines against two to five different antigens tailored for particular cancer types are planned.
Low stable carbon isotope fractionation by coccolithophore RubisCO

Abstract The 13 C/ 12 C ratio of carbon compounds is used to identify sources and sinks in the global carbon cycle. However, the relatively enriched 13 C content observed for marine organic carbon remains enigmatic. The majority of oceanic carbon is fixed by algae and cyanobacteria via the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle, yet isotopic discrimination by the CO 2 fixation enzyme, RubisCO (ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase), has only been measured for a single marine cyanobacterium. Different forms of RubisCO occur in different phytoplankton species (overall amino acid identity varying by as much as ∼75%) and thus may vary in the degree to which they fractionate carbon. Here we measured isotope discrimination by RubisCO from the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi , a cosmopolitan species used as a marine algal model . E. huxleyi RubisCO discriminated substantially less ( e = 11.1‰) against 13 CO 2 than other RubisCO enzymes (18–29‰), despite having Michaelis–Menten kinetic parameters ( K CO 2 = 72 μM; V max = 0.66 μmol min −1 mg −1 protein) similar to those measured for RubisCO enzymes from different organisms. If widespread, decreased isotope discrimination of 13 C by phytoplankton RubisCO may be a major factor influencing the enriched 13 C content of marine organic carbon. This finding emphasizes the necessity of (a) determining e values for RubisCOs of other marine phytoplankton and (b) re-evaluation of δ 13 C values from physiological, environmental, and geological studies.
Electron beam position monitor for a dielectric microaccelerator

We report the fabrication and first demonstration of an electron beam position monitor for a dielectric microaccelerator. This device is fabricated on a fused silica substrate using standard optical lithography techniques and uses the radiated optical wavelength to measure the electron beam position with a resolution of 10 μm, or 7% of the electron beam spot size. This device also measures the electron beam spot size in one dimension.
ACTS Hardware - A Pictorial

The salient features of the Advanced Communiations Technology Satellite (ACTS) that is being presently developed under NASA sponsorship and is now in the stage of flight hardware assembly and integration, are described. Particular attention is given to the hardware components of the spacecraft, the engineering model communication package, and special test equipment. The ACTS is being prepared for a launch in May of 1992.
Use of the King LTS-D during medication-assisted airway management.

Objective. This case series evaluated provider use of the King LTS-D as a primary airway in patients requiring rapid-sequence intubation (RSI). Methods. Twenty-seven paramedics completed a one-hour training session on the use of the device. All patients meeting the service's standard criteria for medication-assisted airway management were included in the study. Following each insertion, paramedics contacted a research hotline to complete data collection. The primary endpoint was successful insertion, with secondary endpoints including time from succinylcholine administration to successful ventilation, pre- and post-insertion vital signs (oxygen saturation [SaO2], pulse rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure), and end-tidal carbon dioxide [ETCO2] value 2 minutes after insertion. Analysis between pre- and postinsertion variables was completed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results. A total of 11 patients met the enrollment criteria and were treated with the device by nine of the 27 paramedics...
Relationship between Shortwave Cloud Radiative Forcing and Local Meteorological Variables Compared in Observations and Several Global Climate Models

Abstract The relations between local monthly mean shortwave cloud radiative forcing and aspects of the resolved-scale meteorological fields are investigated in hindcast simulations performed with 12 of the global coupled models included in the model intercomparison conducted as part of the preparation for Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). In particular, the connection of the cloud forcing over tropical and subtropical ocean areas with resolved midtropospheric vertical velocity and with lower-level relative humidity are investigated and compared among the models. The model results are also compared with observational determinations of the same relationships using satellite data for the cloud forcing and global reanalysis products for the vertical velocity and humidity fields. In the analysis the geographical variability in the long-term mean among all grid points and the interannual variability of the monthly mean at each grid point are considered separately. ...
3 The Sociological Impact of Computers and The Internet on The Elderly

This paper explores the growth of the use of computers and the Internet by the elderly. For the purpose of this paper, elderly is defined as someone 60 years or older. This paper begins with a short history of the environment in which this segment of the population has developed. It also includes an introduction to the Internet and computers and their effect on society. It discusses how the elderly receive information and education on computers and the Internet. It also explores the different uses that the elderly use the Internet for and compare them with society in general. The paper discusses how government agencies offer their services to the elderly on line. It demonstrates the impact that the Internet is having on the lifestyle, quality of life and day to day life of the elderly. Included also is a look at the expansion of the utilization of the Internet by the elderly. This paper presents a conclusion and a look into the future as the “Baby Boomers” reach retirement age.
UFA Fails in the Bell-Kunen Model

In [vDF], van Douwen and Fleissner introduce a number of axioms which hold in models constructed by iteratively forcing MA in a nontrivial extension of the set-theoretic universe. One such model is the Bell-Kunen model, obtained by starting with a model of ZFC + GCH, then forcing “MA + ϲ = ω 2 ” by the standard means, then forcing “MA + ϲ = ω 3 ”, and so on. The Bell-Kunen model is the result of an ω 1 sequence of extensions of this form, with direct limits taken at limit ordinals. (See [BK] for a more complete description.) Van Douwen and Fleissner observed that many of the properties of this model could be distilled into a “Definable Forcing Axiom”, which states that “If P is a c.c.c. partial order which is definable from a real, then there is a sequence of filters through , such that if is any dense subset of P , then all but countably many of the ℱ α 's meet in a nonempty set.” (They call such a sequence ω 1 -generic.) Van Douwen and Fleissner ask whether one can eliminate the restriction on the c.c.c. order entirely; the resulting axiom (“If P is any c.c.c. partial order of cardinality at most ϲ, then there is a sequence of filters…”) is called the Undefinable Forcing Axiom (UFA).
A pictorial essay of pelvic and abdominal masses seen during pregnancy.

Since the advent of ultrasound, pelvic and abdominal masses occurring with pregnancy are being recognized more frequently and at earlier stages of gestation. The precise sonographic definition of the size and location of a mass is important for determining route of delivery or surgical approach during laparotomy and cesarean sections. We hope to illustrate that a variety of etiologies need to be considered, and although it is not often possible to make a histologic diagnosis on the basis of ultrasound findings alone, the integration of imaging information with other clinical data can be helpful in narrowing the differential diagnostic possibilities.
Mechanistic Model for Aluminum Particle Ignition and Combustion in Air

A mechanistic model for the ignition and combustion of an isolated aluminum particle burning in air is presented. The model consists of two stages, ignition and combustion. In the ignition stage, melting and heterogeneous surface reactions (HSR) are assumed to occur until a predefined transition temperature of the oxide is attained. In the combustion stage, a quasi-steady state diffusion flame is assumed, and a new conserved scalar formulation is presented that accounts for the deposition of metal oxide on the surface of the molten aluminum. A system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations that describes each stage self-consistently with the gas-phase analysis is developed. Representative results are presented for a range of ambient temperature conditions and compared to experimental measurements. Predictions of overall burn rates, particle velocity, and flame radius show good agreement with experimental data. Also discussed is the extension of the conserved scalar approach to include a more generalized oxidizing environment as well as HSR from nitride reactions during the quasi-steady burning stage.
Myoelectric signal processing for control of prosthetic devices

Myoelectric signal processing techniques, used as the basis for control of a multiple-axis upper limb prosthesis, have been exceptional in providing the amputee with natural control of motion without the need for training. The approach rests on the electronic recognition of normal muscle synergies in the stabilizing musculature of the shoulder, chest, and back, in order to control the motors of the prosthesis when performing the intended motions. Observations were made of the variability and repeatability of the myoelectric patterns; the appropriate signal processing parameters were determined, and a laboratory prostheses was fabricated and tested.
Mouse Zac1, a Transcriptional Coactivator and Repressor for Nuclear Receptors

Transcriptional activation by nuclear hormone receptors is mediated by the 160-kDa family of nuclear receptor coactivators. These coactivators associate with DNA-bound nuclear receptors and transmit activating signals to the transcription machinery through two activation domains. In screening for mammalian proteins that bind the C-terminal activation domain of the nuclear receptor coactivator GRIP1, we identified a new variant of mouse Zac1 which we call mZac1b. Zac1 was previously discovered as a putative transcriptional activator involved in regulation of apoptosis and the cell cycle. In yeast two-hybrid assays and in vitro, mZac1b bound to GRIP1, to CREB-binding protein (CBP) and p300 (which are coactivators for nuclear receptors and other transcriptional activators), and to nuclear receptors themselves in a hormone-independent manner. In transient-transfection assays mZac1b exhibited a transcriptional activation activity when fused with the Gal4 DNA binding domain, and it enhanced transcriptional activation by the Gal4 DNA binding domain fused to GRIP1 or CBP fragments. More importantly, mZac1b was a powerful coactivator for the hormone-dependent activity of nuclear receptors, including androgen, estrogen, glucocorticoid, and thyroid hormone receptors. However, with some reporter genes and in some cell lines mZac1b acted as a repressor rather than a coactivator of nuclear receptor activity. Thus, mZac1b can interact with nuclear receptors and their coactivators and play both positive and negative roles in regulating nuclear receptor function.
Variational Method of Homogeneous Solutions in Axisymmetric Elasticity Problems for a Semiinfinite Cylinder

UDC 539.3 We develop a variational method of homogeneous solutions for the solution of axisymmetric elasticity problems for a semiinfinite cylinder with free lateral surface. We consider four types of boundary conditions imposed on the end of cylinder, namely, the conditions in stresses, in displacements, and two types of mixed conditions. The solution of the problems with the help of this method is reduced to the solution of infinite systems of linear algebraic equations. We perform the numerical analysis of convergence of the obtained solutions. We also consider an example of application of the proposed approach to the determination of stress concentration near the joint of the end of the cylinder with a perfectly rigid lateral surface. The problems of determination of the stress-strain state of cylindrical bodies appear in various scientific disciplines and, in particular, in the applied theories of the strength of solids [9]. Despite significant advances in the development of the methods aimed at the numerical analysis of the problems of mechanics and a wide choice of certified highly efficient software environments intended for the solution of these problems with the help of
Thermodynamic stability and unusual strength of ultra-incompressible rhenium nitrides

We report on a comprehensive study of thermodynamic and mechanical properties as well as a bond-deformation mechanism on ultra-incompressible Re${}_{2}$N and Re${}_{3}$N. The introduction of nitrogen into the rhenium lattice leads to thermodynamic instability in Re${}_{2}$N at ambient conditions and enhanced incompressibility and strength for both rhenium nitrides. Rhenium nitrides, however, show substantially lower ideal shear strength than hard ReB${}_{2}$ and superhard $c$-BN, suggesting that they cannot be intrinsically superhard. An intriguing soft ``ionic bond mediated plastic deformation'' mechanism is revealed to underline the physical origin of their unusual mechanical strength. These results suggest a need to reformulate the design concept of intrinsically superhard transition-metal nitrides, borides, and carbides.
Study of the relationship of histaminase and diamine oxidase activities in various rat tissues and plasma by sensitive isotopic assay procedures.

Abstract In this laboratory, histaminase activity has been assayed by measurement of the release of tritium from side-chain labeled β- 3 H-histamine, and this assay has proved useful in a variety of animal and clinical studies. In the present study, the assay was compared with that of diamine oxidase activity which uses 14 C-labeled putrescine as substrate. Both activities are believed to be due to the enzyme, diamine oxidase, which has been shown to catalyze the deamination of diamines as well as histamine. The data showed that β- 3 H-histamine and 14 C-putrescine were deaminated by the same enzyme in a variety of rat tissues and that the assays were interchangeable. The labeled amines competed for deamination, and their deamination was inhibited to the same extent by aminoguanidine which is a specific inhibitor of diamine oxidase. There was also a close correlation in the values obtained by the two assays in all tissues. The deamination of each amine was affected differently by changes in pH and substrate concentration, as has been shown previously for purified preparations of diamine oxidase. Substrate inhibition was, for example, observed with histamine, but not with putrescine. An unexpected finding was that histamine, in the concentrations usually encountered in tissues, markedly inhibited diamine oxidase activity. Concentrations of 10 −5 M histamine (1·1 μg/g) inhibited putrescine deamination by 55 per cent and 10 −4 M (11·1 μ/g) by more than 90 per cent.
Effect of vitamin B12 on performance and tissue selenium content in rats fed sub-toxic levels of selenite

The effects of vitamin B12 status on growth and tissue selenium distribution were studied in Sprague-Dawley rats chronically exposed to subtoxic levels of selenite. Vitamin B12 status was monitored by urinary methylmalonic acid excretion and by liver and plasma vitamin B12 levels. Selenite absorption was unaffected by dietary level of vitamin B12. A significant (P < 0.05) interaction of vitamin B12 and selenium was found on growth of rats fed vitamin B12 deficient or control diets. In vitamin B12 depleted rats, there were significant histologic changes in the liver that were characterized by micronodules and regeneration, bile duct reduplication, mild cirrhosis, necrosis of individual hepatocytes and other minor histologic changes. There was no gross or histologic evidence of liver toxicity in rats supplemented with vitamin B12. Rats pair-fed 9 mg/kg selenium with vitamin B12 had significantly lower liver and kidney selenium levels and significantly higher blood selenium levels compared to rats fed the diet without vitamin B12. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that vitamin B12 deficiency limits selenium methylation and excretion, resulting in higher tissue selenium levels and subsequent toxicity.
Labor and Community Organizations in Alliance? Alternative Development Visions in the Caribbean Regions of Colombia

In the past few decades in Colombia, neoliberal development approaches centered on top-down good governance policies containing discourse about consultative processes and social protection. This way to tackle poverty and inequality has meant little in practice to disempowered rural communities. Instead, these communities are seeing their means of livelihood disappear with the dominance of transnational corporations (TNCs) in mining and agricultural sectors; still, they are fighting to have their alternative visions of development, participation, and social justice heard and incorporated in policy-making. Borrowing insights from the social movement governance and network advocacy literatures, this article analyzes the obstacles and prospects of community and labor organizations' attempts to make a bottom-up impact on governance in the Caribbean Magdalena and Cesar regions of Colombia. I argue that the ability of grassroots organizations to influence the state and corporations to (at least) live up to their...
Alliance strategy and the fall of Swissair

Abstract This paper argues that the Swissair Group's bankruptcy is a direct consequence of mistakes made in implementing its alliance strategy. While the strategy was sound, analysis of the relative resource-dependence between Swissair and its partners will show that Swissair did not need equity to bind its partners to it. Moreover, this approach to operationalising the alliance strategy undermined a corporate level goal to diversify risk beyond the airline business. Financial analysis will show that the airline investments were unprofitable, increased the Group's leverage and weakened its cash position. As a result, the Group did not have adequate resources to recover from external shocks.
Pyranose Ring Flexibility. Mapping of Physical Data for Iduronate in Continuous Conformational Space

A method for relating pyranose ring conformation to experimental measurements is presented. A three-dimensional conformational space (Q, θ, P2) based on a torsion angle formalism is projected in tw...
The use of ISSR markers to identify Texas bluegrass interspecific hybrids

Seventeen ISSR primers were screened on Texas bluegrass (Poa arachnifera), Kentucky bluegrass (P. pratensis), Canadian bluegrass (P. compressa), Argentine bluegrass (P. ligularis), cv. 'Sherman' (P. secunda), putative Texas x Kentucky (TK) (P. arachnifera x P. pratensis) hybrids and hybrids involving Texas, Canadian, and Sherman bluegrass [(P. arachnifera x P. compressa) x (P. arachnifera x P. secunda)], to determine whether they could be used to produce robust and reproducible DNA fingerprints and identify interspecific hybrids. Nine of the 17 primers consistently produced robust fingerprints and nine 2-way primer combinations were also selected. DNA fingerprints were highly reproducible and the majority of the selected primers (16/18) amplified hybrid profiles using two putative TK full-sib hybrids. Combined with a rapid DNA extraction protocol, the ISSR technique enabled a fast and practical way to detect F 1 interspecific hybrids early in the breeding programme and could also be useful for other applications that require DNA-based markers.
Semi-flexible joint in the C1q subunit of the first component of human complement.

Abstract C1q appears in electron micrographs in two different projections: lateral projections, in which the molecules resemble bunches of tulips; and top projections, in which the molecules are seen as six terminal subunits connected to a central portion. We have measured 39 particularly well-formed top views to determine the distribution of distances of terminal subunits from the central portion, from which may be calculated the distribution of the angles made by the connecting strands with an axis through the central portion. This distribution peaks sharply at a preferred angle of 50 °. A limited degree of flexibility must exist, however, for a few molecules are found with angles ranging from 20 ° to 80 °. Therefore, we suggest the existence of a semi-flexible joint at the point of interruption of the collagen-like amino acid sequence where the connecting strands join to the central portion of the C1q molecule.
Learner Digital Stories in a Web 2.0 Age.

This article reports on a 4-week class project in which students created Web 2.0 digital stories and shared and discussed them with their peers using VoiceThread, a digital media online tool. Participants were English language learners in an academic writing class at a major research university in the United States. Digital stories provided an interactive venue for building learner communities, fostering collaboration, engaging learners in multi-literacies, and creating opportunities for global audience interaction and feedback.
Kinetics of nucleophilic addition of tertiary phosphines to dicarbonylnitrosyl(cyclobutadiene)iron cation and tricarbonyl(cycloheptatriene)manganese cation

Abstract Tertiary phosphines rapidly add to the ring in dicarbonylnitrosyl(cyclobutadiene)iron cation and tricarbonyl(cycloheptatriene)manganese cation to form phosphonium adducts. Kinetic studies of this reaction support a mechanism consisting of direct bimolecular attack on the ring. Reactivity towards nucleophilic attack by phosphines follows the order: [(C 7 H 8 )Mn(CO) 3 ] + > [(C 4 H 4 )Fe(CO) 2 NO] + > [(C 6 H 7 )Fe(CO) 3 ] + > [(C 6 H 6 OMe)Fe(CO) 3 ] + ≳ [(C 7 H 7 )M(CO) 3 ] + (M = Cr, Mo, W) > [(C 6 H 6 )Mn(CO) 3 ] + . Coordinated cycloheptatriene is about 10 4 times more electrophilic towards phosphine nucleophiles than is coordinated benzene.
Prostaglandin A2 specifically represses insulin-like growth factor-I gene expression in C6 rat glioma cells.

The cyclopentenone PGs (PGA and PGJ series) inhibit tumor cell proliferation in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo via mechanisms that are at present poorly understood. The C6 rat glioma cell line synthesizes and secretes insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), which is believed to act as an autocrine factor for these cells. PGA2 inhibits the proliferation of the C6 cells and causes an increase in the fraction of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The inhibition of cell proliferation by PGA2 is accompanied by a decrease in the abundance of IGF-I messenger RNA (mRNA). This regulation of IGF-I gene expression is specific, as the abundance of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT) and ubiquitin mRNA is not significantly affected by PGA2. The repression of IGF-I gene expression is observed at PGA2 concentrations as low as 10 μm and is evident within 4 h after treatment of the C6 cells with PGA2. In addition to specifically regulating the expression of the IGF-I gene, PGA2 also decreases the a...
Spontaneous tension pneumothorax following outpatient general anesthesia.

Abstract A case is reported in which a spontaneous tension pneumothorax developed after outpatient general anesthesia with a nitrous oxide oxygen mixture. The patient was not intubated or ventilated with positive pressure on the airway. The pneumothorax could be attributed to either a postanesthetic coughing episode, the administration of nitrous oxide, which may have caused already present apical blebs to increase in size to the point of rupture, or both.
Effects of dietary sterols on development and reproduction of southwestern corn borer Diatraea grandiosella Dyar

Abstract Southwestern corn borer larvae, Diatraea grandiosella Dyar, were reared on artificial diets containing individual sterols (cholesterol, sitosterol, or stigmasterol) in concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 0.2%. Female larvae developed to pupae more rapidly as sitosterol and stigmasterol were increased in the diets. Increased cholesterol concentrations did not affect the larval period significantly, and development was not as rapid as with the phytosterols. Female larvae developed at significantly slower rates in all diets than did males, except at the highest concentrations of sitosterol and stigmasterol. Female pupae and adults were significantly heavier than the males, and pupal and adult weight increased as sterol concentrations increased. Number of eggs laid per fertilized female and egg hatchability were significantly increased as concentrations of the three sterols were increased in the larval diets. Sitosterol-reared females produced more eggs than did females reared on other sterols but egg hatchability was not significantly different among sterols.
Streamlining Review by Accepting Equivalence

In their target article, Barchi, Singleton, and Merz (2014) identify several challenges to the review of international research, including regulatory frameworks and review criteria that may overlap...
A Multidisciplinary Evaluation of Inter-Reviewer Agreement of the Nephrometry Score and the Prediction of Long-Term Outcomes

Purpose: The nephrometry score was introduced in 2009 as a way to quantify renal tumor complexity in a systematic way. However, the reproducibility of scoring has not been rigorously validated across specialty or level of training, nor has it been evaluated with regard to meaningful clinical outcomes.Materials and Methods: We identified 95 consecutive patients with a solid renal mass treated surgically. Each renal tumor was separately scored by 6 reviewers, including 2 staff urologists, 1 staff radiologist, 2 trainees (1 urology, 1 radiology) and 1 medical student. Inter-reviewer agreement for nephrometry score was evaluated using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient. We evaluated the ability of the nephrometry score to predict surgery type, pathological features and clinical outcomes.Results: Agreement in nephrometry score was substantial among the 3 staff physicians (0.72, 95% CI 0.64–0.80). Nephrometry score agreement continued to be substantial when including the trainees and medical student in t...
Construction and Implementation of Graphic Organizers for Academically Handicapped and Regular Secondary Students.

Procedures for constructing and implementing graphic organizers are offered to enhance mainstreaming in secondary classrooms.
Ethanol's inhibition of LTP may not be mediated solely via direct effects on the NMDA receptor.

Acute abuse of alcohol is well known to have deleterious effects on memory. However, the molecular and cellular bases of this effect are not well understood. Ethanol is known to inhibit long-term potentiation (LTP), a putative cellular substrate of memory. However, there is controversy concerning the doses of ethanol required for inhibition of LTP. We examined the doses of ethanol required to inhibit LTP in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. We used two different LTP-inducing paradigms in these studies and found that only doses of ethanol associated with profound intoxication (50-100 mM) can produce significant inhibition of LTP. We also investigated the molecular mechanisms of ethanol's effect on LTP. Activation of the N-methyl-o-aspartate receptor plays a critical role in LTP, and ethanol has been shown to partially inhibit N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor function. We tested directly whether the level of N-methyl-D-aspartate inhibition produced by 100 mM ethanol is sufficient to account for the complete inhibition of LTP produced by 100 mM ethanol. Our data suggest that ethanol's effects on the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor can account for most, but not all of ethanol's inhibition of LTP.
Biosynthesis of methyl chloride in the fungusPhellinus pomaceus

The biosynthetic origin of themethyl group in the methyl chloride produced by cultures ofPhellinus pomaceus (Pers.) Maire has been investigated using stable isotope labeled substrates. Feeding ofd-[6,6-2H2] glucose,Dl-[3,3-2H2] serine andl-[methyl-2H3] methionine led to the production of deuterated methyl chloride in which the major labeled species contained 2, 2, and 3 deuterium atoms, respectively. The data are consistent with the methyl chloride produced by this organism being derived solely from methionine with retention of all of the methyl protons.
Enteral administration of a simulated amniotic fluid to very low birth weight neonates.

To reduce feeding intolerance among very low birth weight neonates. A total of 10 neonates with birth weights of 750 to 1250 g were given oral-gastric boluses (2.5 ml/kg every 3 hours) of a solution patterned after amniotic fluid. When milk feedings were begun the milk was mixed with the test solution. The solution was given at a constant daily dose of 20 ml/kg/day while the volumes of milk feedings were gradually increased. When milk feedings reached 80 ml/kg/day the test solution was discontinued. A comparison group consisted of neonates who met study criteria but were cared for during the period immediately preceding the study. The outcome was the number of calories taken enterally over the first 21 days of life. The test solution was begun an average of 27 hours after birth (range, 4 to 45). In the test group the first milk feedings were introduced 74 hours after birth (range, 18 to 144), which was similar to the time milk was introduced in the comparison subjects (79 hours; range, 18 to 168). After milk feedings were started, the test patients had a total of four NPO days (0.4 NPO days per patient) during their first 21 days, while the comparison group had 34 NPO days (3.4 NPO days per patient). During the first 14 days of life the test solution recipients had a median of 26.5 enteral cal/kg/day (range, 4.3 to 68.9), while the comparison neonates had 8.5 (range, 0.2 to 25; p<0.05). During the first 21 days of life the test solution recipients had a median of 56.9 enteral cal/kg/day (range, 11.5 to 89.4), while the comparison neonates had 19.2 (range, 0.9 to 52.8; p<0.05). In all, 10 VLBW infants tolerated the test solution for periods up to 14 days with no significant adverse effects. A randomized trial to determine whether this solution reduces feeding intolerance among VLBW neonates should be conducted.
A nonlinear modified couple stress-based third-order theory of functionally graded plates

Abstract In this paper a general nonlinear third-order plate theory that accounts for (a) geometric nonlinearity, (b) microstructure-dependent size effects, and (c) two-constituent material variation through the plate thickness (i.e., functionally graded material plates) is presented using the principle of virtual displacements. A detailed derivation of the equations of motion, using Hamilton’s principle, is presented, and it is based on a modified couple stress theory, power-law variation of the material through the thickness, and the von Karman nonlinear strains. The modified couple stress theory includes a material length scale parameter that can capture the size effect in a functionally graded material. The governing equations of motion derived herein for a general third-order theory with geometric nonlinearity, microstructure dependent size effect, and material gradation through the thickness are specialized to classical and shear deformation plate theories available in the literature. The theory presented herein also can be used to develop finite element models and determine the effect of the geometric nonlinearity, microstructure-dependent size effects, and material grading through the thickness on bending and postbuckling response of elastic plates.
Growth in renewable generation and its effect on demand-side management

The push to incorporate more renewable sources of generation into electricity grids is forcing a sea change in how grids are composed and managed. The operational task of balancing an electricity grid has grown from a relatively simple, solvable problem to one of great complexity, involving widespread prediction and coordination backed with substantial computational resources. New types of electric resources, particularly on the demand-side, are emerging in order to accommodate the fluctuations from this groundswell of renewable generation. In addition to the massive amount of capacity being added to utility electricity generation fleets, large amounts of distributed generation are being added on the customer side of electricity meters with unclear effects on grids as a whole. In this work, we assess the impact on the requirements for demand-side electricity resources from growth in both utility-scale and distributed renewable generation fleets. To do this, we construct models of the California electricity grid, both now and in a future scenario with 50% renewables penetration, as well as a model that incorporates data on over 125,000 rooftop photovoltaic installations. We then examine the context of these scenarios to understand the role and range of demand-side resources on these future, more renewable electricity grids. From this analysis, we show that a future grid for the state of California with 50% renewable generation and 5 times the distributed generation capacity of the current grid would reduce the overall fraction of total electricity delivered from thermal (natural gas) generation by over two-thirds, but would increase the frequency of large (±2GW) hourly ramps in thermal generation by a factor larger than five. Combating this enormous increase in ramps is a prime opportunity for demand-side management to increase the proportion of renewables as well as reduce the cost of electricity in future electric grids.
Experimental and numerical investigation of fatigue of thin tensile specimen

Abstract This paper presents the results of experimental and numerical investigation on fatigue of thin 304 stainless steel tensile specimens. In order to achieve the experimental aspects of this investigation a Micro Fatigue Test Rig (MFTR) was designed and developed to evaluate fatigue life and failure mechanism of tensile specimen. A 3D finite element model was also developed to investigate the fatigue damage of thin tensile specimen and to account for the effects of topological randomness of material microstructure on fatigue lives. The topology of the material grain structure was modeled using randomly generated 3D Voronoi tessellations corresponding to the measured grain size. Continuum damage mechanics was used to model the progressive material degradation. The damage parameters were obtained from the experimentally obtained S – N curve. A 3D mesh partitioning procedure was developed to consider both crack initiation and propagation stages considering the predominant transgranular, non-planar crack growth observed in the experiments. The stress–life results obtained from the fatigue damage model are in good agreement with the experimental data. The progression of damage and the proportion of life spent in crack initiation obtained from the model are consistent with empirical observations. The fatigue damage model was used to assess the influence of microstructure randomness accompanied by material inhomogeneity and internal voids on fatigue life dispersion.
A Dimer Interface Mutation in Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Regulates Its Binding to AU-rich RNA *

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is an enzyme best known for its role in glycolysis. However, extra-glycolytic functions of GAPDH have been described, including regulation of protein expression via RNA binding. GAPDH binds to numerous adenine-uridine rich elements (AREs) from various mRNA 3'-untranslated regions in vitro and in vivo despite its lack of a canonical RNA binding motif. How GAPDH binds to these AREs is still unknown. Here we discovered that GAPDH binds with high affinity to the core ARE from tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA via a two-step binding mechanism. We demonstrate that a mutation at the GAPDH dimer interface impairs formation of the second RNA-GAPDH complex and leads to changes in the RNA structure. We investigated the effect of this interfacial mutation on GAPDH oligomerization by crystallography, small-angle x-ray scattering, nano-electrospray ionization native mass spectrometry, and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry. We show that the mutation does not significantly affect GAPDH tetramerization as previously proposed. Instead, the mutation promotes short-range and long-range dynamic changes in regions located at the dimer and tetramer interface and in the NAD(+) binding site. These dynamic changes are localized along the P axis of the GAPDH tetramer, suggesting that this region is important for RNA binding. Based on our results, we propose a model for sequential GAPDH binding to RNA via residues located at the dimer and tetramer interfaces.
Effects of electrical stimulation and tetrodotoxin paralysis on expression of muscle-specific isozymes of four enzymes in aneurally cultured embryonic rat muscle

We studied the effect of electrical stimulation and a sodium channel blocker (tetrodotoxin) on the expression of muscle-specific isozymes of creatine kinase, glycogen phosphorylase, phosphoglycerate mutase, and lactate dehydrogenase in aneurally cultured embryonic rat muscle. Muscle contractile activity slightly accelerated the accumulation of muscle-specific isozyme of creatine kinase in early cultures (4 days of experiment), but no increase in the expression of muscle-specific isozymes of any enzyme was present in older cultures (11 days of experiment). We conclude that muscle contractile activity is not a main regulator of isozyme maturation in this system.
Primal Terror: A Perspective of Vestibular Dysfunction

The following article presents a personal perspective of the internal experience of “primal terror.” Primal terror is the emotional experience with one's inability to naturally maintain one's balance in opposition to gravity and to integrate vestibular input. Vignettes describe the impact of this phenomenon on one's self-concept, self-esteem, level of body tension, trust, and Weltanschauung. Perceptual issues in primal terror are discussed in relation to other visual and psychological dilemmas often associated with sensorymotor dysfunction. Implications for remediation are discussed.
Murine endothelial cells support fetal liver erythropoiesis and myelopoiesis via distinct interactions

Endothelial cells are an important component of the haemopoietic microenvironment. To investigate how endothelial cells are involved in haemopoiesis, two established murine endothelial cell lines were assayed in stromal cultures with fetal liver haemopoietic cells. Both endothelial cell lines allowed for the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid and monocyte-macrophage precursors, suggesting that support for haemopoiesis is a general property of endothelial cells. Erythropoiesis was dependent on the addition of erythropoietin (Epo), whereas myelopoiesis was independent of added Epo. Haemopoietic colonies developed in close contact with the endothelial cells. Erythroid colonies did not develop when transwell filters were used between the stroma and haemopoietic cells, or when conditioned medium was used in place of stromal cells. In contrast, monocyte-macrophage colonies formed in the presence of transwell filters or conditioned medium. Thus close cell contact is necessary for erythropoiesis but not myelopoiesis under these conditions. These results suggest that different molecular mechanisms are used by endothelial cells to support erythroid development and myeloid development in the mouse fetal liver.
Microsomal oxidation of allelochemicals in generalist (Spodoptera frugiperda) and semispecialist (Anticarsia gemmatalis) insect

Midgut microsomes prepared from larvae of the fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E Smith)], a generalist insect, and the velvetbean caterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner), a semispecialist, were used to study their oxidative activity toward a variety of allelochemicals. Allelochemicals such as terpenoids, alkaloids, indoles, glucosinolates, flavonoids, coumarins, cardenolides, phenylpropenes, and a ketohydrocarbon were all metabolized by the microsomal cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases in both species. Fall armyworm microsomes oxidized monoterpenes more favorably than other types of terpenes, indicating a preference for these compounds. In all instances, the oxidative metabolism of these allelochemicals can be induced by dietary allelochemicals such as indole 3-carbinol, indole 3-acetonitrile, menthol, flavone, or peppermint oil ranging from 1.3- to 9.5-fold. In the case of certain triterpenes, tetraterpene, alkaloid, coumarin, and cardenolides, metabolic activity can only be observed after induction. The monooxygenase activities toward these allelochemicals were generally higher in the generalist than in the semispecialist. These findings provide strong evidence that microsomal monooxygenases play an important role in the detoxification of plant toxins and hence host-plant selections in herbivorous insects.
The Appledore Island pluton of the Rye Complex, coastal New Hampshire and Maine, USA: geochronological and chemical evidence for the affinity of an enigmatic terrane

The Rye Complex of coastal New Hampshire and Maine is a peri-Gondwanan terrrane that up to now had an uncer tain origin. An offshore portion of the complex, Appledore Island of the Isles of Shoals, hosts a mainly dioritic intru sion that yielded an U-Pb zircon age of 361.09 ± 0.14 Ma, allowing comparison of its geochemical characteristics with mafic rocks of similar age across the northern Appalachian orogen. The Appledore Island diorite has similar major, trace, and isotopic compositions as continental rift tholeiite in the Narragansett Basin in southern New England and in the Maritimes Basin of Canada. These intraplate volcanic rocks range from 375 to 330 Ma, bracketing the age of the Appledore Island diorite. Their intraplate tectonic setting reflects regional extension during the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous which produced successor basins after the Acadian orogeny. The geochemical and age similarities of the Appledore Island diorite and the mafic rocks of the successor basins suggest that the Rye Complex is a basement fragment of a successor basin block. Further evidence of the identity of the Rye Complex is provided by the isotopic composition of intermingled, comagmatic granitic rocks associated with the Appledore Island diorite. The granite has a Ganderian isotopic signature, suggesting that the Rye Complex is a Ganderian basement block that was transposed by movement along the Norumbega Fault System to its position adjacent to the Merrimack Trough of New Hampshire and Maine.
Opioid peptide modulation of Ca2+-dependent K+ and voltage-activated Ca2+ currents in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

Abstract Opioid peptides are abundantly expressed in the adrenal medulla, and there is evidence that they may be released presynaptically or as medullary paracrine agents. To assess the physiological relevance of these observations, we investigated opioid effects on ionic currents from cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Under wholecell path-clamp conditions, opioid peptides, acting via a μ-type opioid receptor, strongly potentiated the large conductance Ca 2+ -dependent K + (BK) channel current. Opioids also inhibited voltage-activated Ca 2+ currents. Application of opioid peptides to the extracellular face of outside-out patches also increased opening activity of single BK channels, suggestive of tight receptor-channel coupling. This potentiating effect on BK current, combined with the inhibition of Ca 2+ current, indicates that opioids may have an inhibitory influence on secretory activity of the adrenal medulla. The widespread distribution of the BK channel class suggests that the significance of its modulation by opioids could also extend beyond the adrenal gland.
Registration of Seven Sugarbeet Germplasms Selected from Crosses between Cultivated Sugarbeet and Wild Beta Species

Seven sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) germplasm lines, F1017 (GP-265, PI 656591), F1018 (GP-266, PI 658401), F1019 (GP-267, PI 656592), F1020 (GP-268, PI 656593), F1021 (GP-269, PI 658402), F1022 (GP-270, PI 656594), and F1023 (GP-271, PI 656595), were released 23 Feb. 2009 by the USDA-ARS and the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. These lines were developed to introduce genetic diversity into the narrow base of sugarbeet. The original populations were produced by crossing male-sterile plants of a cultivated line with wild relatives of sugarbeet. The pollinators for F1017, F1018, F1019, and F1020 were B. v. subsp. maritima accessions originally collected in Denmark, Belgium, Ireland, and the Middle East, respectively. The pollinators for F1021, F1022, and F1023 were based on species (F1021, B. atriplicifolia Rouy; F1022, B. macrocarpa Guss.; F1023, B. patula Aiton). Six-year mean root yield of the germplasm lines was 32.63 Mg ha -1 or 63% of the yield of an adapted hybrid. Average sucrose concentrations of the lines ranged from 114 to 122 g kg -1 , compared with 136 g kg -1 for a commercial hybrid. These lines will contribute to the broadening of the genetic diversity of the crop, and the infusion of genes from these and other exotic sources may result in unique gene combinations that expand the limits of improvement through selection and enhance combining ability.
Comparing the electrochemical properties of pure phase Zn2SnO4 and composite Zn2SnO4/C

Compound Zn2SnO4 was synthesized by a hydrothermal method in which SnCl4 · 5H2O, ZnCl2 and N2H4 · H2O were used as reactants. Composite Zn2SnO4/C was then synthesized through a carbothermic reduction process using the as-prepared Zn2SnO4 and glucose as reactants. Comparing to the pure Zn2SnO4, some improved electrochemical properties were obtained for composite Zn2SnO4/C. When doped with 15% glucose, the composite Zn2SnO4/C showed the best electrochemical performance. Its first discharge capacity was about 1500 mA h g−1, with a capacity retain of 500 mA h g−1 in the 40th cycle at a constant current density of 100 mA/g in the voltage range of 0.05–3.0 V. There were also some differences displayed in their cyclic voltammogram.