cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fishing for Pleiotropic QTLs in a Polygenic Sea

Summary The application of factor analysis to human genetics has the potential to discover the coordinated control of multiple traits by common environment, common polygenes, or a single major gene. Classical factor analysis explains the covariation among the components of a random vector by approximating the vector by a linear transformation of a small number of uncorrelated factors. In the current paper we show how factor analysis dovetails with the classical variance decompositions of biometrical genetics. To explore the relationships between related quantitative variables, and avoid complicated positive definiteness constraints, we employ Cholesky and factor analytic decompositions. We derive an ECM algorithm and a competing quasi-Newton algorithm for estimating parameters by maximum likelihood and propose tactics for selecting initial parameter values. We also show how parameter asymptotic standard errors under these parameterizations propagate to asymptotic standard errors of the underlying variance components. Our genetic analysis program Mendel, which now incorporates the program Fisher, has performed well on a variety of data sets. We illustrate our methods, algorithms, and models on two data sets: a bivariate quantitative genetic example using total finger ridge count data and a multivariate linkage example using insulin resistance data.
A Protein Interaction Network generated from Streptococcus Pneumoniae

Mapping protein interaction network topologies represents a fundamental step towards a proteome-wide understanding of biological processes. The current high-throughput methods used for protein interactions are yeast two hybrid and affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry, but both systems require cumbersome cloning steps, are challenging to automate, and have limited ability to detect weak or transient interactions. To overcome these disadvantages we developed a microfluidic in vitro protein expression and interaction platform based on a highly parallel and sensitive microfluidic affinity assay. We used this system to perform 14,792 on-chip experiments which exhaustively measure the protein-protein interaction network of 43 Streptococcus pneumoniae proteins. The resulting network of 157 interactions is denser than one would expect based on the existing data from E. coli and H. pylori. The network shows evidence of being scale free, with the most highly connected nodes derived from chaperones. Analysis of the network reveals previously undescribed physical interactions members of some biochemical pathways.Left panel - Microfluidic device loaded with food-dyes. Flow lines (blue), “Sandwich, Neck valves and Button valves” (red, yellow and green) used for performing PING. Right panel - example of 2 protein-protein interactions (orange).View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Fenretinide cytotoxicity is independent of both constitutive and pharmacologically modulated glutathione levels in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells cultured at hypoxia.

Fenretinide (4-HPR) cytotoxicity relative to glutathione levels in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines cultured at bone marrow level hypoxia (5% O2) is evaluated. 4-HPR cytotoxicity correlated with reactive oxygen species generation (P < 0.001), but not with levels of intracellular glutathione, γ-glutamylcysteine synthase, or glutathione peroxidase. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) reduced glutathione levels in 10 cell lines (P < 0.001), but 4-HPR + BSO was markedly synergistic in only 1 of 10 lines. Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine increased glutathione (P < 0.02) but did not alter 4-HPR cytotoxicity. Our data suggest that 4-HPR cytotoxicity is independent of glutathione under physiologic oxygen tension. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 994–997. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coronary Artery Abnormalities and Sudden Cardiac Death

Anomalous origin of a coronary artery (AOCA) can be associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD), particularly in young athletes. The diagnosis usually can be made by transthoracic echocardiography. In the case of patients for whom this method is not diagnostic, other methods are available including transesophageal echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), and computed tomographic (CT) angiography. The decision to intervene is dependent on the type of lesion, the course of the coronary artery, its known association with SCD, and any symptoms present at the time of diagnosis. For patients without symptoms who have lesions less clearly associated with SCD [e.g., anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (AORCA)], the decision to intervene is more controversial. Further prospective studies hopefully will elucidate the optimum treatment pathway for such patients.
Modeling Cancer Progression via Pathway Dependencies

Cancer is a heterogeneous disease often requiring a complexity of alterations to drive a normal cell to a malignancy and ultimately to a metastatic state. Certain genetic perturbations have been implicated for initiation and progression. However, to a great extent, underlying mechanisms often remain elusive. These genetic perturbations are most likely reflected by the altered expression of sets of genes or pathways, rather than individual genes, thus creating a need for models of deregulation of pathways to help provide an understanding of the mechanisms of tumorigenesis. We introduce an integrative hierarchical analysis of tumor progression that discovers which a priori defined pathways are relevant either throughout or in particular steps of progression. Pathway interaction networks are inferred for these relevant pathways over the steps in progression. This is followed by the refinement of the relevant pathways to those genes most differentially expressed in particular disease stages. The final analysis infers a gene interaction network for these refined pathways. We apply this approach to model progression in prostate cancer and melanoma, resulting in a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of tumorigenesis. Our analysis supports previous findings for the deregulation of several pathways involved in cell cycle control and proliferation in both cancer types. A novel finding of our analysis is a connection between ErbB4 and primary prostate cancer.
How does development affect international economic emigration? A case study of Polish emigration to the UK

Economic migration patterns are a determining factor behind the changes in the size of the labour force, which is essential in the design of a development strategy. This paper examines whether the process of development has an impact on levels of migration using the case study of Polish economic migration to the UK. The first part refers to the theories of economic migration, including Zelinsky’s ‘migration hump’, among others. It also discusses the quantitative methods and data needed to test the validity of the theories. The second part presents the abovementioned case study, focusing on the post-1990s period. The variables chosen for regression are Poland’s GDP per capita and employment rate, the exchange rate between the Zloty and the pound sterling and the Polish HDI. The results demonstrate that most variables have strong correlations with the levels of migration, particularly those related to the process of development, following a ‘migration hump’ pattern.
Fulfilling our assignment to improve the health of all: good science just isn't enough.

It’s great to be here today with my many friends and colleagues from the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) and the University of Massachusetts, and my family. SBM has been my professional home and “family” since I attended my first meeting in 1979. For me, it sort of feels like the bar in Cheers, “where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.” I’d like to welcome you to Boston and to the 26th annual meeting of SBM. I am grateful to my program chair, Melissa Clark, and cochair, Amanda Graham, for helping to develop our wonderful program, and to our other volunteers and program staff who worked hard to put it together, and to our Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) colleagues who worked collaboratively with us on our joint day, which takes place tomorrow. The partnership of SBM and SOPHE will help us to expand our vision and efforts. I bring greetings from the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) down the road in Worcester, Massachusetts. I dedicate my presentation to Dr. James E. Dalen who, as chair of medicine at UMMS, invited me to join the faculty in 1982 and had the vision and the wisdom to encourage me to form the Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine. This was a time when very few people and institutions, let alone medical schools, knew what behavioral medicine was. Jim valued and understood the relationship of behavior to prevention and to medicine. Knowing we would be challenged, Jim became a member of my division and put his name prominently on our letterhead, daring anyone to question our presence. Later I will focus on the important roles of leaders, educators, advocates, mentors, and partners. Jim was all five—as is fitting for someone with his vision. He later became Dean of the College of Medicine and started the College of Public Health Sciences at the University of Arizona. Thank you, Jim. The assignment of president has allowed me to work with many talented people committed to the mission of SBM, that is, “the production and application of knowledge of behavioral medicine to improve the health of individuals, families, communities, and populations.” Our mission obligates and challenges us to do all we can to use our rigorous science, ranging from basic biobehavioral topopulationscience, to improve thehealthofall. Given the extraordinary science we have developed, my focus today will be on its application to achieve substantial improvements in the public’s health. In addition, we will talk about some of the current gaps and how we can fill them. Imbedded in our mission is a philosophy that has matured over the past 27 years. Originally focused on the important integration of biomedical and behavioral science, behavioral medicine has expanded to a full ecological perspective and includes each of the levels of the ecological model (1) (Figure 1). The ecological model does two things:
The denaturation of pepsin. IV. The effects of temperature.

Abstract The temperature coefficient of pepsin denaturation has been measured as a function of pH in solutions of neutral salt (KNO 3 , guanidinium chloride and Pb(NO 3 ) 2 . In KNO 3 the heat of activation has been found to decline uniformly by almost 50 kcal between pH 6.0 and 6.7. This is precisely the pH region where a number (5 or 6) of carboxyl groups, which appear to be hydrogen bonded in the native protein, are cleaved by a first order process when the enzyme is inactivated. In 6.6·10 −4 M Pb(NO 3 ) 2 solutions the ΔH ≠ vs . pH curve is displaced by about 0.4 pH units in an acid direction. Guanidine also diminishes the heat of activation. In 1.18 M guanidine, the heat of activation shows a similar decline above pH∼6.0 as observed in KNO 3 .
CMG helicase and DNA polymerase e form a functional 15-subunit holoenzyme for eukaryotic leading-strand DNA replication

DNA replication in eukaryotes is asymmetric, with separate DNA polymerases (Pol) dedicated to bulk synthesis of the leading and lagging strands. Pol α/primase initiates primers on both strands that are extended by Pol e on the leading strand and by Pol δ on the lagging strand. The CMG (Cdc45-MCM-GINS) helicase surrounds the leading strand and is proposed to recruit Pol e for leading-strand synthesis, but to date a direct interaction between CMG and Pol e has not been demonstrated. While purifying CMG helicase overexpressed in yeast, we detected a functional complex between CMG and native Pol e. Using pure CMG and Pol e, we reconstituted a stable 15-subunit CMG–Pol e complex and showed that it is a functional polymerase–helicase on a model replication fork in vitro. On its own, the Pol2 catalytic subunit of Pol e is inefficient in CMG-dependent replication, but addition of the Dpb2 protein subunit of Pol e, known to bind the Psf1 protein subunit of CMG, allows stable synthesis with CMG. Dpb2 does not affect Pol δ function with CMG, and thus we propose that the connection between Dpb2 and CMG helps to stabilize Pol e on the leading strand as part of a 15-subunit leading-strand holoenzyme we refer to as CMGE. Direct binding between Pol e and CMG provides an explanation for specific targeting of Pol e to the leading strand and provides clear mechanistic evidence for how strand asymmetry is maintained in eukaryotes.
Air Bubbles Produced by Breaking Wind Waves: A Laboratory Study

Abstract Air bubbles produced by breaking wind waves are measured in a laboratory tank to study bubble clouds produced in freshwater under various wind and wave conditions. Vertical entrainment of bubbles and their size compositions are found to be influenced greatly by wave structures. The significant wave height appears to be the appropriate scaling length for the vertical distribution of bubble concentrations. Their horizontal distribution, on the other hand, correlates well with the group characteristics of waves. Bubble populations on the water surface are influenced by both wind stress and surface wave height; more specifically, they are governed by the Reynolds number incorporating both effects. Other reported field and laboratory data are shown to follow well the functional variations deduced herewith.
Improved biolistic transfection of hair cells.

Transient transfection of hair cells has proven challenging. Here we describe modifications to the Bio-Rad Helios Gene Gun that, along with an optimized protocol, improve transfection of bullfrog, chick, and mouse hair cells. The increased penetrating power afforded by our method allowed us to transfect mouse hair cells from the basal side, through the basilar membrane; this configuration protects hair bundles from damage during the procedure. We characterized the efficiency of transfection of mouse hair cells with fluorescently-tagged actin fusion protein using both the optimized procedure and a published procedure; while the efficiency of the two methods was similar, the morphology of transfected hair cells was improved with the new procedure. In addition, using the improved method, we were able to transfect hair cells in the bullfrog sacculus and chick cochlea for the first time. We used fluorescent-protein fusions of harmonin b (USH1C) and PMCA2 (ATP2B2; plasma-membrane Ca 2+ -ATPase isoform 2) to examine protein distribution in hair cells. While PMCA2-EGFP localization was similar to endogenous PMCA2 detected with antibodies, high levels of harmonin-EGFP were found at stereocilia tapers in bullfrog and chick, but not mouse; by contrast, harmonin-EGFP was concentrated in stereocilia tips in mouse hair cells.
One small step: world's first integrated EUVL process line

The Intel lithography roadmap calls for Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUVL) to be used for the 32 nm node. With the installation of the EUV Micro-Exposure Tool (MET) complete, Intel now has the world's first integrated EUVL process line including the first commercial EUV exposure tool. This process line will be used to develop the EUV technology, including mask and resist, and to investigate issues such as defect printability. It also provides a test-bed to discover and resolve problems associated with using this novel technology in a fab (not lab) environment. Over 22,000 fields have been exposed, the discharge-produced plasma light source has operated for 50,000,000 pulses, 8 masks have been fabricated, and 8 resists have been characterized. The MET combines high resolution capability with Intel's advanced processing facilities to prepare EUVL for high-volume manufacturing (HVM). In this paper we review the MET installation and facilities, novel capabilities of the linked track, data on optics quality and modeled tool capability, and the MET mask fabrication process. We present data on tool performance including printing 45 nm 1/2 pitch lines with 160 nm depth of focus and 27 nm isolated lines. We show tool accuracy and repeatability data, and discuss issues uncovered during installation and use.
The Collision of Trans-Experience and the Politics of Women's Ice Hockey

Transgender identified athletes have competed at all levels in sports, though most remain hidden and silenced. In the Spring of 2003, USA Hockey banned a transsexual male-to-female (MTF) athlete from participating in the Women's National Ice Hockey Tournament. By deeming her ineligible, USA Hockey demonstrated how tightly they aim to control sex and gender in women's sport. A series of four open-ended interviews were conducted with a trans-identified hockey player who was banned from competition. The reading of sex and gender through a feminist lens is employed to further view the subjectivity of transgender bodies in sport. Through the voice of one transgender athlete, we confront ideas of body policing, identity marking, and identity self-maintenance within ice hockey in the United States.
Development of carbamazepine:phospholipid solid dispersion formulations

Abstract This study is concerned with the development of a carbamazepine (CBZ):phospholipid (PL) solid dispersion formulation with improved dissolution characteristics. CBZ powders were blended with PL to produce CBZ:PL physical mixtures or made into solid dispersions with PL by the solvent method. CBZ exhibited significantly improved dissolution rates in PL coprecipitate (coppt) as compared to the physical mixtures or CBZ alone. Dissolution studies suggested that less than 10:1 ratio of CBZ to PL (9.1% PL) was required to disperse amorphous CBZ completely in the carrier. The coppt yielded a 3.6-fold greater initial dissolution rate (computed over the 5 min of dissolution) than the pure CBZ. Also, the total amount dissolved after 60 min was 2.1-fold greater at a CBZ:dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) of 10:1 ratio (9.1% DMPG) than for the corresponding pure drug. Increasing the DMPG concentration to 4:1 (20% DMPG) compositions resulted in only a further 10% increase in the initial dissolution rate and 8.5% increase in the limiting concentration. Thus, a small amount of PL improved the dissolution of CBZ to a significant level. Some effect was also observed by changing the composition of the PLs. The coppts were formulated into tablets in order to compare the dissolution profile with that of TegretolR, a commercially available tablet of CBZ. It was found that the total amount dissolved after 60 min was two-fold higher in our tablet formulation than the commercial product, TegretolR. Powder X-ray diffraction spectra showed no changes in the diffraction patterns of CBZ in the coppt. It is concluded that CBZ:PL solid dispersions may have clinical advantages of quick in-vivo release to yield better bioavailability than existing commercial formulations.
Site-directed Mutagenesis of the Yeast PMA1 H+-ATPase STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL ROLE OF CYSTEINE RESIDUES

Abstract The yeast plasma-membrane H+-ATPase contains nine cysteines, three in presumed transmembrane segments (Cys-148, Cys-312, and Cys-867) and the rest in hydrophilic regions thought to be exposed at the cytoplasmic surface (Cys-221, Cys-376, Cys-409, Cys-472, Cys-532, and Cys-569). To gather new functional and structural information, we have studied the yeast ATPase by cysteine mutagenesis. It proved possible to replace seven of the nine cysteines by alanine, one at a time, without any significant decrease in ATP hydrolysis or ATP-dependent proton pumping. In the remaining two cases (Cys-409 and Cys-472), there were small but reproducible effects; the results clearly indicated, however, that no single Cys is required for activity and that, if a disulfide bridge is formed in the yeast ATPase, it does not play an obligatory structural or functional role. Next, multiple mutants were constructed to ask how many Cys residues could be replaced simultaneously while leaving a fully functional enzyme. After substitution of all “membrane” Cys (Cys-148, Cys-312, and Cys-867) together with two non-conserved Cys located in hydrophilic regions (Cys-221 and Cys-569), there were no significant abnormalities in expression (87%) or activity (89% ATP hydrolysis/93% H+ pumping) of the mutant protein. Replacement of two additional cysteines (Cys-376 near the phosphorylation site and Cys-532, in or near the ATP-binding site) caused a drop in expression (to 54%), although the corrected hydrolytic and H+ pumping activities were still normal. When Cys-472 was also mutated, the corrected activity fell to 44% hydrolysis/47% pumping; finally, substitution of Cys-409 to give a “cysteine-free” ATPase led to a very poorly expressed and poorly active enzyme. Brief exposure of the “one-cysteine” and “two-cysteine” ATPases to trypsin revealed a normal pattern of degradation, but there was a slight impairment in the ability of vanadate to protect against proteolysis. Thus, although single Cys replacements are tolerated well by the yeast ATPase, multiple replacements are progressively more harmful, suggesting that they cause small but additive perturbations of protein folding.
Two-phase measurements of saltating turbulent boundary layer flow

Abstract Mean wind and particle speed measurements as functions of heigh were made for a saltating turbulent boundary layer flow. An exponential dependence of particle flux with height above the surface was found independent of windspeed and particle size. Particle-speed distributions as functions of height above the surface were measured for experiments conducted at two ambient pressures: atmospheric pressure and approximately 1% atmospheric pressure. The wind was shown to be a more efficient mover of particles at atmospheric pressure. High-speed motion pictures of saltating ground walnut shells (of diameter 500–1500 μm and density 1.1 g/cm 3 ) were taken in an environmental wind tunnel to simulate the planetary boundary layer. These experiments verify the existence and magnitude of particle spin rates proposed by White & Schulz (1977). There was remarkable agreement between numerical trajectory solutions, including the spin effect, and the filmed trajectories. An observation was made that not all particles spin exclusively in the vertical longitudinal plane (in the direction of flow). At low pressures (0.6 kPa) the effect of spin forces on the particle's trajectory was shown to have little influence and was verified by a theoretical force ration balance of spin to drag force.
Homopolymer length variation in the Drosophila gene mastermind

Runs of identical amino acids encoded by triplet repeats (homopolymers) are components of numerous proteins, yet their role is poorly understood. Large numbers of homopolymers are present in the Drosophila melanogaster mastermind (mam) protein surrounding several unique charged amino acid clusters. Comparison of mam sequences from D. virilis and D. melanogaster reveals a high level of amino acid conservation in the charged clusters. In contrast, significant divergence is found in repetitive regions resulting from numerous amino acid replacements and large insertions and deletions. It appears that repetitive regions are under less selective pressure than unique regions, consistent with the idea that homopolymers act as flexible spacers separating functional domains in proteins. Notwithstanding extensive length variation in intervening homopolymers, there is extreme conservation of the amino acid spacing of specific charge clusters. The results support a model where homopolymer length variability is constrained by natural selection.
Electron microscopic study of senile cardiac amyloidosis

Abstract Using specimens from various organs originally processed for routine histopathological study (wax embedding), a total of 2044 autopsy cases were reviewed to identify those with primary amyloidosis of the heart. A total of 7 such cases, involving the heart only, was identified with the aid of appropriate stains and polarized light. The heart tissue was subsequently re-processed for study by electron microscopy. In all 7 cases, large deposits of amyloid fibrils were found around the blood capillaries and smaller amounts between individual myocardial fibres. The possible origin of the amyloid fibrils is briefly discussed within the limitations imposed by the source of the material; it is suggested that they may be formed either by the muscle cells or from material reaching the tissue via the capillaries or alternatively, as the result of an interaction between the cells and circulating immunoglobulins.
Secret Romantic Relationships: Consequences for Personal and Relational Well-Being

Previous research on romantic secrecy found that hiding one's relationship from others predicted lower levels of relationship quality. The present research built on this work by exploring the potential consequences of relationship concealment on partners' commitment level and personal health. Study 1 found that greater secrecy was associated with reduced commitment to one's relationship, lower self-esteem, and more reported health symptoms. Study 2 tested a theoretical model of the effects of secrecy using structural equation modeling. This model was well supported and suggests that romantic secrecy (a) undermines relational commitment by means of constraining cognitive interdependence (i.e., by limiting psychological closeness to one's partner) and (b) poses a threat to partners' personal health as a result of generating negative affect (e.g., nervousness and fear). These findings indicate that romantic secrecy may have harmful consequences for both the relationship itself and the health of the partners involved.
Plasminogen activator-1 overexpression decreases experimental postthrombotic vein wall fibrosis by a non-vitronectin-dependent mechanism.

Summary Background Factors associated with postthrombotic syndrome are known clinically, but the underlying cellular processes at the vein wall are not well delineated. Prior work suggests that vein wall damage does not correlate with thrombus resolution but rather with plasminogen activator-1 (PAI-1) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. Objective We hypothesized that PAI-1 would confer post venous thrombosis (VT) vein wall protection via a vitronectin (Vn)-dependent mechanism. Methods A stasis model of VT was used with harvest over 2 weeks, in wild-type, Vn−/−, and PAI-1–overexpressing mice (PAI-1 Tg). Results PAI-1 Tg mice had larger VT at 6 and 14 days, compared to controls, but Vn−/− mice had no alteration of VT resolution. Gene deletion of Vn resulted in an increase in, rather than the expected decrease in, circulating PAI-1 activity. While both Vn−/− and PAI-1 Tg had attenuated intimal fibrosis, PAI-1 Tg had significantly less vein wall collagen and a compensatory increase in collagen III gene expression. Both Vn−/− and PAI-1 Tg vein wall had less monocyte chemotactic factor-1 and fewer macrophages (F4/80), with significantly less MMP-2 activity and decreased TIMP-1 antigen. Ex vivo assessment of transforming growth factor β–mediated fibrotic response showed that PAI-1 Tg vein walls had increased profibrotic gene expression (collagens I and III, MMP-2, and α–smooth muscle actin) compared with controls, opposite of the in vivo response. Conclusions The absence of Vn increases circulating PAI-1, which positively modulates vein wall fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner. Translationally, PAI-1 elevation may decrease vein wall damage after deep vein thrombosis, perhaps by decreasing macrophage-mediated activities.
Analysis of solids using laser-induced plasma spectroscopy in double-pulse mode

Abstract We investigate plasmas formed from solid aluminium alloys in air using a Nd:YAG laser in double-pulse mode, in view of the possibility of enhancing analyte line emissions. In particular, time-resolved studies of emission characteristics and plasma properties are carried out. It is found that the Al II 281.6 nm line is considerably enhanced when using a double-pulse burst instead of a single pulse of equal energy. However, the electron density is found to be approximately the same in both cases, and the plasma temperature is less than 10% higher with the double-pulse burst. The line enhancement is rather explained by the formation of a larger volume of emitting gas. This, in turn, can be linked to a greater ablated mass, as well as to the presence of a preplasma into which the second laser pulse is absorbed. The influence of the interpulse interval on the peak intensity of the Al II line and of several neutral lines of different elements is also studied. For neutral lines, a maximum enhancement factor of 3–4 is attained with an interval in the range 0.5–1 μs. Finally, it is found that the relative standard deviation of 20 consecutive intensity measurements is reduced by a factor of 2–3 when going from single- to double-pulse mode.
Effect of current on transport critical temperature of silver supported Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8 thick films with Bi-free needle-like crystals

Abstract The four point d.c. method is generally used to measure the transport critical temperature T c and critical current density J c of superconducting films. This paper theoretically investigates the effect of the measurement current and limiting voltage on the T c of silver supported Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 1 Cu 2 O 8 tapes with and without the Bi-free needle-like crystals. Results show that finite currents that drive the superconductor normal at the true T c will lower the measured T c by several per cent. Results also show that the measured T c is further lowered by the presence of the needle-like crystals and that this is a direct consequence of the reduced J c of such films. The degree to which the measured T c is lowered from the true T c depends on crystal size, orientation and concentration. In general, small crystals at any orientation with respect to the current flow have little effect on the T c , whereas large crystals can have a significant effect, particularly when using large measurement currents. High concentrations of small crystals are relatively insensitive to the T c , whereas small concentrations of large crystals can have a significant effect. The additional decrease in T c due to the crystals is typically between 0 and 2%. Although relatively insignificant, the effect can be a noticeable factor during process optimization.
Densities, viscosities, and refractive indices for binary and ternary mixtures of diisopropyl ether, ethanol, and methylcyclohexane

Densities, viscosities, and refractive indices of the ternary system diisopropyl ether + ethanol + methylcyclohexane at T = 298.15 K and the binary systems diisopropyl ether + ethanol, diisopropyl ether + methylcyclohexane, and ethanol + methylcyclohexane were measured at T = (288.15, 298.15, and 308.15) K and atmospheric pressure over the whole composition range. Densities were determined using a vibrating-tube density meter. Viscosities were measured with an automatic Ubbelholde capillary viscometer. Refractive indices were measured using a digital Abbe-type refractometer. Excess molar volumes VE, deviations in the viscosity Δη, and deviations in the refractive index ΔnD for the mixtures were derived from experimental data. The binary data of VE, Δη, and ΔnD were correlated as a function of the mole fraction by using the Redlich−Kister equation. For the ternary data, several polynomial equations have been tested to minimize the set of parameters for adequate correlation.
Micro-opaque copiers. Is there a resolution?

Abstract Reproduction of paper copies from micro-opaques generally has been unsuccessful in the past. Since the cessation of production of the Denison enlarger/printer, libraries and their clienteles have had little recourse in having paper copies made from micro-opaques. Since 1984, however, progress has been made in this area and there are currently four options. Copies can be requested from one of the institutions identified in a recent survey as offering a fee-based micro-opaque copying service; copies of Readex micro-opaques can be ordered from the Readex Microprint Photocopying service; micro-opaques can be converted to microfiche for a fee, and copies made using one of the numerous available models of microfiche printers; or, an institution can purchase the new Bell & Howell 5100 Reader/Printer with Microcard Adapter. Institutions having microopaque collections need to determine the most cost effective alternative for their particular situations.
Chemical imaging of intact seeds with NIR focal plane array assists plant breeding

Abstract Early generation identification of desirable or undesirable traits of kernels of grain is useful to the breeding program to assist in selection of the best seeds to carry forward and to eliminate the inferior ones. In the case of wheat, resistance to premature sprouting (germination) in the field, before harvest under high moisture conditions is desirable. Visual examination of individual kernels provides non-destructive identification of severities of the problem. The germination process must be so advanced before visual detection is possible that severe damage to starch in the kernel has already occurred from release of ά-amylase enzyme. Several tests exist for the viscosity of solutions or for alpha amylase directly that are done in bulk and are destructive to the individual kernel. Near-IR imaging with an InGaAs focal plane array provides early localized chemical evidence of the process occurring in multiple kernels in the field of view. A Go/No-Go decision is made on individual kernels by the instrument using a specimen mounting plate that defines the position of the diffusely reflecting kernel, while rejecting adjacent pixels as specular reflection away from the detector array. The chemical imaging reported detects sprouting considerably earlier than can be found by both visual inspection and alpha amylase (ά-amylase) testing procedures. Images are presented to illustrate the contrast between normal and sprouted specimens.
PFGD: A systematic functional genomics resource for Poplar

As the model species for woody plants, the poplar has excellent experimental properties. The studies of functional genes make up the foundation of improving genetic traits and cultivating elite lines at the molecular level. Although studies of functional genes have been carried out for many years, plenty of experimental data are still scattered across documents and are not unified by a comprehensive statistical analysis, Consequentially, the disjoint in information severely hinders systematic utilization of the accumulated data. This problem can be solved through the use of bioinformatic methodology and technology to gather and organize data to construct this Poplar Functional Gene Database (PFGD). By complining information from an array of studies, this study collected 207 poplar functional genes. 164 of the collected genes, selected for their detailed annotations, were input into Populus Database (http://ccb.bjfu.edu.cn/app/pfgd/). Many important stress genes were located in the database. As an example, we investigate the target genes function of Populus euphratica in response to salt stress. Two small cDNA libraries from P. euphratica plantlets treated with or without salt (300 mM NaCl, 3 days) in the root. Using high-throughput sequencing to identify miRNAs, we found 179 conserved miRNAs and 62 novel miRNAs which have differential expression. After the detailed analysis of these miRNAs, 1254 target genes from conserved miRNAs and 479 target genes from novel miRNAs were predicted, and functional information was annotated using the Gene Ontology databases. These information provides a primary visual field for understanding the gene regulatory network in response to salt stress in Populus.
Spin dynamics and quantum transport in magnetic semiconductor quantum structures

Abstract Quantum structures derived from magnetic semiconductors serve as a powerful arena within which to study the interplay between quantum electronics and thin film magnetism. In particular, the semiconductor aspects of these flexible systems allow direct access to the electronic spin degrees of freedom using both magneto-optical as well as magneto-transport probes. Here we provide an overview of recent developments in the experimental study of II–VI magnetic semiconductor quantum structures, with particular emphasis on the dynamical behavior of field-tunable electronic spin states and spin-dependent quantum transport.
A magnetic tape memory for D-C positional servomechanisms

A method of storing positional data on magnetic tape has been devised and this method employed in a memory unit for a d-c positional servomechanism. A dual track tape and a time modulation encoding scheme are the distinguishing features of this method.
Non-native grass invasion alters native plant composition in experimental communities

Invasions of non-native species are considered to have significant impacts on native species, but few studies have quantified the direct effects of invasions on native community structure and composition. Many studies on the effects of invasions fail to distinguish between (1) differential responses of native and non-native species to environmental conditions, and (2) direct impacts of invasions on native communities. In particular, invasions may alter community assembly following disturbance and prevent recolonization of native species. To determine if invasions directly impact native communities, we established 32 experimental plots (27.5 m2) and seeded them with 12 native species. Then, we added seed of a non-native invasive grass (Microstegium vimineum) to half of the plots and compared native plant community responses between control and invaded plots. Invasion reduced native biomass by 46, 64, and 58%, respectively, over three growing seasons. After the second year of the experiment, invaded plots had 43% lower species richness and 38% lower diversity as calculated from the Shannon index. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination showed a significant divergence in composition between invaded and control plots. Further, there was a strong negative relationship between invader and native plant biomass, signifying that native plants are more strongly suppressed in densely invaded areas. Our results show that a non-native invasive plant inhibits native species establishment and growth following disturbance and that native species do not gain competitive dominance after multiple growing seasons. Thus, plant invaders can alter the structure of native plant communities and reduce the success of restoration efforts.
Simulation of the kinetics of neuromuscular block: implications for speed of onset.

BACKGROUND:The onset time for paralysis varies 3-fold among nondepolarizing muscle relaxants. Possible explanations include: (a) pharmacokinetic differences among drugs and (b) buffering of drug molecules by acetylcholine receptors as they diffuse into the neuromuscular junction. Although some pharm
Dynamic model of neuronal response in the rat hippocampus

A linear lumped model was proposed for the hippocampal CA 1 region of anesthetized rats using differential equations of time-independent coefficients, the afferent and efferent fibers of the alveus as inputs and the averaged evoked potentials (AEPs) and poststimulus time histograms as outputs. The alvear tract, a major efferent path, was proposed to activate interneurons monosynaptically while the anterior alveus activated orthodromically pyramidal cells which then excited the interneurons. The interneurons then inhibited pyramidal cells. The observable field outputs were the excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) of interneurons and the inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) of pyramidal cells. Positive neurophysiological feedbacks were proposed among interneurons and among pyramidal cells in order to account for the prolonged time courses of the interneuronal EPSPs and the pyramidal cell IPSPs. The parameters of the model were optimized by a nonlinear regression program which minimized the sum of squared deviations between the model-generated and actual AEPs. The parameters included the temporal dispersion of the input tract (about 3 ms) and the membrane time constant of interneuronal and pyramidal cell populations (4.8 ms). In anesthetized rats, positive feedback gain coefficients were 0.07 among interneurons and 0.85 among pyramidal cells. After a compound spike (I), two postsynaptic AEP components (II and III) of different time courses were detectable at all depths within CA 1 except at the turnover for each component. The hypothesis that the AEP component II was generated by interneurons was tested and confirmed. The quantitative model constitutes a concise construct of the functional organization of the hippocampal CA 1 region, which suggests further theoretical extensions and experimentation.
The metabolism of phosphoinositides in rat kidney, in vivo☆

Abstract The incorporation of 32 P inorganic phosphate into phosphoinositides of rat kidney, heart and submaxillary gland was studied in Vivo . The results obtained with the time-course of the labeling of phosphoinositides with 32 P emphasize the rapid metabolism of the monoesterified phosphate groups of the polyphosphoinositides in rat kidney. In rat kidney, both DPI and TPI exhibited an accelerated metabolic rate in that the rates of appearance and disappearance of the isotope into the components were similar to the metabolic rates of inorganic phosphate and acid labile phosphate of the nucleotides. MPI did not show this metabolic pattern. In heart and submaxillary gland, MPI was the major labeled phosphoinositide and the rapid incorporation and equally rapid decline of labeling in DPI and TPI was not observed. Starvation for 48 hr did not appear to affect the incorporation of 32 P into phosphoinositides in kidney. With the use of two chromatographic systems, the level of phosphoinositides in kidney was quantitatively determined.
Image Motion Considerations In Electro-Optical Panoramic Cameras

Electro-optical panoramic cameras utilizing the Time Delay and Integration (T.D.I.) mode of operation for the extraction of information under conditions of extremely low apparent scene contrast are characterized by long exposure timas. As a result, the control of image motion to avoid the degrading effects of smear becomes of paramount importance. Starting from the general equations of image motion, several motion compensation techniques are examined and an approach is presented which permits a high degree of correction.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Glucose metabolism of oxidatively stressed human red blood cells incubated in plasma or medium containing physiologic concentrations of lactate, pyruvate and ascorbate.

Abstract Red cells suspended in either defined medium or buffered plasma were oxidatively stressed by incubation in the presence of 1, 4-naphthoquinone-2-sulfonate at concentrations which caused less than 50% methemoglobin accumulation, stimulation of the hexose monophosphate shunt to less than 15% of capacity, and about a 30% increase in flux through glycolysis. Normal plasma concentrations of lactate and pyruvate in either defined medium or buffered plasma allowed increased contribution of reducing equivalents from glycolysis in response to oxidative stress. Increased utilization of reducing equivalents by the red cell was observed as increased accumulation of pyruvate, whereas accumulation of lactate represented storage of reducing equivalents. Exogenous lactate or pyruvate did not serve as a net electron source or sink since the total content in red cell suspensions of both lactate and pyruvate was increased during exposure to oxidative stress. If exogenous lactate had been used as a net source of reducing equivalents, the lactate concentration would have decreased during incubation of red cell suspensions. Plasma ascorbate or other constituents did not alter the qualitative response of glycolysis to oxidative stress (decreased lactate accumulation, increased pyruvate accumulation, and increased total flux through glycolysis), but plasma constituents did raise significantly the dose of oxidant agent required to elicit a given quantitative response. At levels of oxidative stress likely to be encountered in vivo, glycolysis and the hexose monophosphate shunt may be equal in importance as aerobic/antioxidant pathways.
Structural impediments to the efficient use of older workers in the United States.

Structural impediments in the U.S. that will prevent the efficient use of the older worker, and prevent the Federal Government from successfully requiring workers to stay employed to age 70, are presented. The impediments discussed, and options for addressing them, include demographics, past policy initiatives, worker protection laws developed for different circumstances, lost opportunities because of failures to act, and fragmentation of the research base on aging and work.
Electronic equipment for an electron analogue accelerator

An electron analogue accelerator 45 feet in diameter is being constructed to test a variety of orbital properties of a strong-focusing synchrotron system. High-voltage sawtooth wave generators will supply the electrostatic bending and correcting lenses. A feed-back type radio frequency control and power amplifier supply a simple low-Q ferrite accelerating cavity. The rf control is designed to accommodate the phase stability transition encountered in strong-focusing synchrotrons. Auxiliary electronic systems will detect, observe, and time the circulating electron beam.
Recent progress in the neurology of learning: memory molecules in the developing brain.

ABSTRACT.Memory, the ability to store and retrieve information, is essential for learning in children. Modern neurobiology research is revealing some of the fundamental steps that encode memories within networks of neuronal synaptic connections in the brain. Somewhat different networks store verbal
Attainment of flowrate uniformity in the channels that link a distribution manifold to a collection manifold

A logic-based systematic method of designing manifold systems to achieve flowrate uniformity among the channels that interconnect a distribution manifold and a collection manifold has been developed, implemented, and illustrated by case studies. The method is based on tailoring the flow resistance of the individual channels to achieve equal pressure drops for all the channels. The tailoring of the flow resistance is accomplished by the use of gate-valve-like obstructions. The adjustment of the valve-like obstructions is determined here by means of numerical simulations. Although the method is iterative, it may converge in one cycle of the iterations. Progress toward the goal of per channel uniformity can be accelerated by tuning a multiplicative constant. The only departure of the method from being fully automatic is the selection of the aforementioned multiplicative constant. The method is described in detail in a step-by-step manner. These steps are illustrated both generically and specifically for four case studies. As an example, in one of the case studies, an original flow imbalance of over 100% in an untailored manifold system was reduced to a flow imbalance of less than 10% in one cycle of the method.
Apolipoprotein(a) Induces Monocyte Chemotactic Activity in Human Vascular Endothelial Cells

Background Elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] are associated with premature atherosclerosis; however, the mechanisms are not known. Recruitment of monocytes to the blood vessel wall is an ea...