cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeted correction of a thalassemia-associated β-globin mutation induced by pseudo-complementary peptide nucleic acids

Beta-thalassemia is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the beta-globin gene. Triplex-forming oligonucleotides and triplex-forming peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) have been shown to stimulate recombination in mammalian cells via site-specific binding and creation of altered helical structures that provoke DNA repair. However, the use of these molecules for gene targeting requires homopurine tracts to facilitate triple helix formation. Alternatively, to achieve binding to mixed-sequence target sites for the induced gene correction, we have used pseudo-complementary PNAs (pcPNAs). Due to steric hindrance, pcPNAs are unable to form pcPNA-pcPNA duplexes but can bind to complementary DNA sequences via double duplex-invasion complexes. We demonstrate here that pcPNAs, when co-transfected with donor DNA fragments, can promote single base pair modification at the start of the second intron of the beta-globin gene. This was detected by the restoration of proper splicing of transcripts produced from a green fluorescent protein-beta globin fusion gene. We also demonstrate that pcPNAs are effective in stimulating recombination in human fibroblast cells in a manner dependent on the nucleotide excision repair factor, XPA. These results suggest that pcPNAs can be effective tools to induce heritable, site-specific modification of disease-related genes in human cells without purine sequence restriction.
Chemical meningitis following cerebellopontine angle tumor surgery.

Objective Postoperative chemical meningitis mimics bacterial meningitis, complicating the diagnosis until results of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures can be obtained. We analyzed clinical and laboratory data from a series of 1146 patients to identify findings that could exclude bacterial meningitis. Subjects and Methods We reviewed the charts of patients who developed meningitis after cerebellopontine angle surgery. Lumbar puncture data from asymptomatic postoperative patients were our control. Study Design Clinical symptoms, CSF profiles, and serum white blood cell (WBC) counts were compared between patients with chemical meningitis, bacterial meningitis, and asymptomatic patients. Results The incidence of meningitis in our series of 1146 patients was 4.54 percent; 0.87 percent was culture-proven bacterial meningitis. The patients with bacterial meningitis had significantly higher CSF and serum WBC counts, and lower CSF glucose. The major difference between asymptomatic patients and those with chemical meningitis was the significantly lower ratio of CSF WBCs to red blood cells (RBCs) in asymptomatic patients. Conclusion Patients with mild CSF leukocytosis and normal CSF glucose without high serum WBC counts or focal neurological deficits may be treated for chemical meningitis.
TU-EE-A4-03: Quality Control Testing of Diagnostic Ultrasound Systems: Experience in Testing 72 Systems in 11 Years

Purpose: The goal is to assess the necessity and relevance of QA/QC testing procedures for diagnostic ultrasound systems. Methods and Materials: The ultrasound QA/QC program at our institute was reviewed in this paper. Over the past 11 years, 72 diagnostic ultrasound systems have been included in the QA/QC program. Acceptance tests were conducted in newly installed systems. In some situations, final payment was withheld to ensure the correction of the deficiencies revealed during the acceptance testing. Periodic QC reports were sent to the in‐house engineer group and corrective actions were taken and documented. Our testing procedures included B‐mode tests on distance accuracy, maximum depth of penetration, spatial resolution,contrast lesion detectability, image uniformity, dead zone, image display/soft copy fidelity and other physical and mechanical inspections. In addition, Doppler mode tests were performed on some units to measure the Doppler signal sensitivity, angle accuracy, gray‐scale image congruency, range‐gate accuracy and flow readout accuracy. Results: A total of 84 deficiencies were documented on those units older than 5 years (1.8 deficiencies/unit‐year) and 183 deficiencies on the units with ages of 5 years or less (1.0 deficiencies/unit‐year). These problems were classified in categories according to the QC tests and the percentage distribution of each category was calculated. While the overall image quality deterioration revealed through spatial resolution and contrast lesion detectability testing topped the deficiency category list for older units, a significant increase in transducer deficiencies was observed on newer modern state‐of‐art units. This observation was consistent with the increasing complexity in rapidly advancing transducer technology in recent years. QA/QC procedures appeared able to reveal problems at their early stage before these problems would severely interfere with clinical practices. Conclusion: This experience of ultrasound QA/QC program at our institute confirms the necessity to have a comprehensive QA/QC program for diagnostic ultrasound systems.
Stress, Coping, and Mexican American Mental Health: A Systematic Review

While there has been a rapid growth in mental health research which focuses on the Mexican American population, differences in theoretical formulations and consequent research methodologies have led to a host of conflicting findings. These conflicting findings are then often difficult to translate into useful clinical applications which would make clinical services more relevant and acceptable to this growing population. One suggested solution to the problem has been to develop more systematic theoretical frameworks for guiding Mexican American mental health research. In this vein a new theoretical model was presented. The model is based upon recent concepts regarding the relationship between psychological stress and consequent physical and/or psychological illnesses. This model includes some important intervening or mediating variables which may serve to aggravate or buffer the aversive impact of exposure to potential stressors. Examination of these intervening variables is of clinical importance in prom...
A simple and rapid method to obtain substitution mutations in Escherichia coli: isolation of a dam deletion/insertion mutation

Abstract We describe the isolation of a strain of Escherichia coli bearing a deletion/insertion (i.e., a substitution mutation) in the dam gene (dam-16). The mutagenesis protocol used should be applicable to any cloned non-essential gene of E. coli. The substitution mutation confers resistance to kanamycin and can easily be transferred to other strains by standard genetic techniques. The amount of Dam methyltransferase (MTase) in dam-16 strains as determined either in vitro or in vivo is below the level of detection. We conclude that the Dam MTase is not required for viability of E. coli
Nearly symmetric-indecomposable matrices

We introduce nearly symmetric-decomposable matrices, which are a symmetric analogue of nearly decomposable matrices. The defining matrix property is related to 2-matching covered and minimally 2-matching covered properties of a graph (possibly containing loops). We develop constructions and properties of nearly symmetric-decomposable -matrices, some of which relate to the location and number of nonzero entries on the main diagonal.
Effects of a strong polyelectrolyte on the rheological properties of concentrated cementitious suspensions

Strong polyelectrolytes, referred to as superplasticizers, are known to improve the initial fluidity of concentrated cement suspensions. To quantify how the polyelectrolytes affect the fluidity, we have studied the effect of a strong anionic polyelectrolyte, melamine formaldehyde sulfonate (MFS), on the zeta potential of cement particles and on the steady-shear and low-amplitude rheological properties of cement suspensions. Adsorption of low concentrations of MFS onto the cement particles leads to an inversion in the sign of the surface potential, causing the electrostatically flocculated particles to become electrostatically dispersed and giving rise to a corresponding decrease in the steady-shear viscosity and storage modulus. At an intermediate MFS concentration, the steady-shear viscosity and the storage modulus each display a minimum. This concentration corresponds to that at which the zeta potential becomes constant. Larger concentrations of MFS result in an increase in the viscosity and storage modulus, which is attributed to depletion flocculation. These results thus relate the interaction between particles to the suspension fluidity through the analysis on the surface potential of particles and microstructure of suspension.
A mesoscale strength model for silica-filled PDMS

We present a mesoscale model that describes the tensile stress of silica-filled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) under elongation. Atomistic simulations of a single chain of PDMS, interacting with itself and/or a hydroxylated silica surface provide estimates of the microscopic forces required to stretch or uncoil a chain of PDMS, or detach it from a silica surface Using these results, we develop a mesoscale, inter-particle strength model for uncrosslinked, silica-filled PDMS. The strength model includes these atomistic forces, as determined from the simulations, a small entropic component, and a Gaussian probability distribution to describe the distribution of chain lengths of PDMS strands connecting two silica particles and the chain lengths in the free ends. We obtain an analytic stress/strain expression whose predictions agree with experiment.
Stochastic model of a one-dimensional fluid

A one-dimensional point process with correlations constructed via a geometrical rule is shown to behave like a fluid at equilibrium. The equation of state is calculated and the “inverse problem” of finding an interaction potential underlying the system is considered. The effective potential is found to be dependent on macroscopic parameters via a dependence on the density of the system.
In-situ hydrocarbon identification and reservoir monitoring using sonic logs, La Cira-Infantas oil field (Colombia).

Summary This paper presents a rock physics model for identifying the quality of rock and pore fluid in a cased hole from dipole sonic data, as well as for monitoring temporal changes in the reservoir from repeated compressional-wave data in the well. By analyzing the Vp/Vs ratio from multi-pole velocity logs in a tertiary fluvial reservoir in La Cira oil field, we differentiated between nonhydrocarbon- and hydrocarbonbearing sands. Comparison of open (1988), cased-hole (1995) compressional sonic logs and production history confirmed these results. This comparison shows a drop in compressional velocity, which corresponds to the producing intervals where gas might have come out of solution. The Vp/Vs ratio as calculated from multi-pole sonic logs is a promising indicator for delineating bypassed oil behind the casing and pay intervals. It can also be used for reservoir depletion monitoring.
Melting Point Measurements for Quasicrystalline Phases

Melting transitions of metastable quasicrystalline phases of Al-Mn have been observed using rapid electron-beam heating of fine-grained icosahedral surface layers. The congruent melting-point for icosahedral Al80 Mn20 was directly measured to be 910±20°C. Heating to higher temperatures shows another transition which is inferred to correspond to the liquidus of the decagonal phase at 965±20°C for 20 at.% Mn. The microstructure and formation kinetics of the decagonal phase are discussed, and its electron diffraction is described.
Identification of the quinolizidine alkaloids in Sophora leachiana

Sophora is a diverse genus representing herbs, shrubs, and trees that occurs throughout the world, primarily in the northern hemisphere. Sophora species contain a variety of quinolizidine alkaloids (Izaddoost, 1975; Khan et al., 1992). Three series of quinolizidine alkaloids have been reported in the Sophora genus: the tricyclic cytisine series, the tetracyclic sparteine series, and the matrine series (Izaddoost, 1975). There are no previous reports on the alkaloid content of S. leachiana.
Identification of the origin of TiO2 deposits surrounding a used hydrodesulphurization catalyst

Abstract Mineral matter from an Eastern high volatile class A bituminous coal (Homestead, Kentucky) has been examined by scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis to determine the presence of titanium-containing minerals. Titanium oxide in the form of anatase (TiO 2 ) has been identified. Crystals of anatase with a similar morphology have been found deposited around particles of Co- Mo catalyst used to promote liquefaction of the coal. This deposit has a poisoning effect on the catalytic capability of the particles. It has been suggested that the origin of the anatase is either as organically bound titanium in the coal that oxidizes during the liquefaction process or as anatase crystallites within the coal that simply coalesce around the catalyst particles. The present observations indicate that most or all of the anatase deposited on and around the catalyst was present as anatase in the coal.
Clinical and radiographic presentations of HIV-1 necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis.

HIV-1-associated periodontal diseases have been reported in the literature for several years. Criteria for the diagnosis of these diseases have not been universally accepted, although there are numerous papers describing the clinical entity. These case reports provide clinical and radiographic evidence of a type of periodontal disease with bone and soft tissue destruction which differentiates it from “conventional” periodontal diseases found in both HIV-1-infected patients and those not infected by the virus. It is important, from both diagnostic and therapeutic aspects, for clinicians to be able to make this distinction. The appropriate use of clinical and radiographic findings is extremely helpful in the diagnosis, particularly in the case of defining HIV-1 necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis (NUP). Whether the patterns of gingival changes and bone loss described in these case reports are specific to HIV-1-seropos-itive persons or rather represent severe immunosupp ression requires further investigation.
Phosphate excretion in the parathyroidectomized rat receiving parathyroid hormone.

Abstract The relationship of phosphorus excretion to phosphorus intake was studied in normal, parathyroidectomized, and thyroparathyroidectomized rats. Parathyroidectomized rats were given constant parathyroid hormone (PTH) replacement. Thyroidectomized rats received, in addition to PTH, thyroxine replacement. The experimental animals were able to conserve and excrete phosphorus as well as the normal animals. Morning serum phosphorus did not change in any of the groups despite a fivefold increase in phosphorus intake.
Knowledge Transfer and Collaboration in Distributed U.S.-Thai Teams

This article reports on a study that investigates factors influencing knowledge transfer in the context of cross-cultural distributed teams engaged in information systems development. The goal was to examine the validity of a four-factor framework of knowledge transfer (the “4 C Framework”), which proposes that capability, credibility, communication, and culture of the source significantly affects knowledge transfer. The framework is examined in the context of US-Thai distributed teams, as well as within the local subgroups. Results support the role of credibility and communication on knowledge transfer in the cross-cultural distributed teams, and within the local subgroups. Capability was not found to be related to knowledge transfer either in the distributed teams or within the local subgroups. Finally, culture of the source did affect knowledge transfer in the distributed teams, although in a direction opposite to that hypothesized.
Deposition and surface treatment with intense pulsed ion beams

Intense pulsed ion beams (500 keV, 30 kA, 0.5 {mu}s) are being investigated for materials processing. Demonstrated and potential applications include film deposition, glazing and joining, alloying and mixing, cleaning and polishing, corrosion improvement, polymer surface treatments, and nanophase powder synthesis. Initial experiments at Los Alamos have emphasized thin-film formation by depositing beam ablated target material on substrates. We have deposited films with complex stoichiometry such as YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-x}, and formed diamond-like-carbon films. Instantaneous deposition rates of 1 mm/sec have been achieved because of the short ion range (typically 1{mu}m), excellent target coupling, and the inherently high energy of these beams. Currently the beams are produced in single shot uncomplicated diodes with good electrical efficiency. High-voltage modulator technology and diodes capable of repetitive firing, needed for commercial application, are being developed.
Scanning electron microscope matching and calibration for dimensional metrology

Minimization of the relative offset between measurement tools is referred to as matching. One could use a member in the set of tools as a reference, but the question arises of which one is most correct. Furthermore, it is desirable for a reference tool to provide the complete topography of a structure, as well as the ability to reduce effects of sample variation (i.e. edge roughness) through spatial averaging. In this article, a method for using the atomic force microscope (AFM) to provide reference values for matching and calibration of on-line scanning electron microscopes (SEM) will be described.
Thriving in Stepfamilies: Exploring Competence and Well-being Among African American Youth

Although scholars conclude that children/adolescents in two-parent nuclear families have an advantage over those in stepfamilies, emerging evidence indicates that the experiences of African American youths have been overshadowed. In three replicated studies, we detected no differences on several important and commonly assessed well-being and competence indicators among samples of African American youth in two-parent nuclear and stepfamilies.
Age and Behavior of Honey Bees, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae), that Perform Vibration Signals on Queens and Queen Cells

The vibration signal of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) may play a central role in the regulation of queen behavior during reproductive swarming and supersedure. We examined honey bee workers that performed vibration signals on queens and developing queen cells in three observation hives, each containing a population of marked bees of known age. In all three colonies, workers of all ages greater than 2 d old could perform vibration signals on queens and queen cells. However, most signals were performed by a small proportion of the bees of greater than 10 d of age. Relatively few workers less than 10 d old vibrated queens and queen cells, even though this age-group is typically associated with queen care. Thus, the regulation of queen behavior by the vibration signal may occur primarily through a relatively small subset of older workers that, under most circumstances, have only limited involvement with queens. It is unclear what triggers the vibrating of queens. Workers producing vibration signals did not differ from same-age non-vibrating controls in rate of locomotion in the hive or in task performance, and they rarely engaged in foraging, even though the majority of observed bees were of foraging age; vibrators also did not spend more time with queens and queen cells compared with controls. Vibration signals performed on queens and queen cells therefore do not appear to be influenced by task performance or increased contact with queens.
An Analog Computer Realization of the Euclidean Tools

The compass and straightedge of Euclidean geometry offer many computational possibilities. Their analog computer realization as described here was developed for the study of the kinematics of machinery, but may be useful in several other areas. For the particular case discussed it was necessary to realize these tools without the use of special electronic devices and to make them available for simultaneous use at an arbitrary number of locations. Low operating frequencies were acceptable. The realization utilizes dynamic computing equipment to generate a reference circle or line, and simple logic in the utilization of the reference. The system may be extended to function generation and multiplication.
The presence of trihalomethanes in soft drinks

When chlorine is employed as a surface disinfectant, the chlorinated organic compounds ‘trihalomethanes’ are formed from the interaction of chlorine with various organic substances in the water. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated the association between increased cancer mortality and high concentrations of trihalomethanes. The soft drink industry has been using granular activated carbon (GAC) to eliminate chlorine and trihalomethanes in water processing for many years. Studies were conducted to determine the quantity and quality of trihalomethanes in the soft drinks. The total trihalomethanes concentration was highest in the Colas and lowest in Sprite and 7 Up. It is hypothesized that this variation is due to the method of Coca extraction and the presence of caramel.
THE RATE AND SPECIFICITY OF A GROUP I RIBOZYME ARE INVERSELY AFFECTED BY CHOICE OF MONOVALENT SALT

Abstract The fifth intron of the COB gene of yeast mitochondria splices autocatalytically. The rate of splicing is increased by high concentrations of monovalent salts, but the choice of both cation and anion is significant: The smaller the cation in solution, the faster the reaction (the rate in K+ greater than NH4+ greater than Na+ greater than Li+). Chloride, bromide, iodide and acetate salts enhance autocatalytic processing, but sulfate salts do not and fluoride salts are inhibitory. The choice of monovalent salt affects the KM of the intron for guanosine nucleotide, implying an alteration in the affinity of the RNA for that substrate. Under optimal conditions (1M KCl, 50 mM MgCl2) the catalytic efficiency of this intron exceeds that reported for the ribosomal intron from Tetrahymena, but several side reactions occur, including guanosine-addition within the downstream exon. The site of addition resembles the 5' splice junction, but selection of this site does not involve the internal guide sequence of the intron.
Effects of different feeding frequencies on growth, body composition, and fillet composition of juvenile sunshine bass, Morone chrysops X M. saxatilis, grown indoors.

Abstract In an effort to feed sunshine bass (Morone chrysops X M. saxatilis) efficiently, promote optimal growth, and reduce labor costs associated with feeding, sunshine bass were fed one of four feeding schedules: once per day, twice per day, once every other day, and twice every other day for 10 weeks. Ten fish were stocked into each of sixteen 110-L aquaria with four replications per treatment. At the conclusion of the feeding trial, percentage weight gain of sunshine bass fed twice/day were significantly (P 0.05) from fish fed once/day (1.51%/day). The amount of diet consumed by fish fed twice/day was significantly higher (119 g diet/fish) compared to fish fed all other feeding frequencies. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of fish fed ...
Cardiovascular risk of stimulant treatment in pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: update and clinical recommendations.

Objective This review provides an update on the cardiovascular impact of therapeutic stimulant-class medication for children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method Relevant clinical literature was ascertained using PubMed searches limited to human studies and the English language as of May 2011. Current practice guidelines and consensus statements also were reviewed. Results Stimulant-class medications for healthy children and adolescents with ADHD are associated with mean elevations in blood pressure (≤5 mmHg) and heart rate (≤10 beats/min) without changes in electrocardiographic parameters. A subset (5–15%) of children and adolescents treated may have a greater increase in heart rate or blood pressure at a given assessment or may report a cardiovascular-type complaint during stimulant treatment. It is extremely rare for a child or adolescent receiving stimulant medication to have a serious cardiovascular event during treatment, with the risk appearing similar to groups of children not receiving stimulant medication. Conclusions Clinicians should adhere to current recommendations regarding the prescription of stimulant medications for youth with ADHD. Scientific inquiry is indicated to identify patients at heightened risk and to continue surveillance for the longer-term cardiovascular impact of these agents.
Characterization and potential environmental risks of leachate from shredded rubber mulches

In order to determine whether shredded rubber mulches (RM) pose water quality risks when used in stormwater best management practices (BMPs) such as bioretention basins, batch leaching tests were conducted to identify and quantify constituents in leachates from RM such as metal ions, nutrients, total organic carbon (TOC), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activity (determined by the chemically activated luciferase gene expression (CALUX) bioassay) at varied temperature and initial pH values. The results indicate that aqueous extracts of RM contain high concentrations of zinc (Zn) compared with wood mulches (WM), and its concentration increased at lower pH and higher temperature. Although methanol extracts of RM displayed high AhR activity, none of the aqueous extracts of RM had significant activity. Hence, while unknown constituents that have significant AhR activity are present in RM, they appear to be not measurably extracted by water under environmental conditions relevant for stormwater (5<pH<9, 10<T<40 degrees C). Our results suggest that organic constituents in water extracts of RM which have AhR activity may not be of significant concern while leaching of Zn from RM appears to be a potentially larger water quality issue for RM.
Genes to ecosystems: exploring the frontiers of ecology with one of the smallest biological units

Genes and their expression levels in individual species can structure whole communities and affect ecosystem processes. Although much has been written about community and ecosystem phenotypes with a few model systems, such as poplar and goldenrod, here we explore the potential application of a community genetics approach with systems involving invasive species, climate change and pollution. We argue that community genetics can reveal patterns and processes that otherwise might remain undetected. To further facilitate the community genetics or genes-to-ecosystem concept, we propose four community genetics postulates that allow for the conclusion of a causal relationship between the gene and its effect on the ecosystem. Although most current studies do not satisfy these criteria completely, several come close and, in so doing, begin to provide a genetic-based understanding of communities and ecosystems, as well as a sound basis for conservation and management practices.
Mangiferin Stimulates Carbohydrate Oxidation and Protects Against Metabolic Disorders Induced by High-Fat Diets

Excessive dietary fat intake causes systemic metabolic toxicity, manifested in weight gain, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. In addition, carbohydrate utilization as a fuel is substantially inhibited. Correction or reversal of these effects during high-fat diet (HFD) intake is of exceptional interest in light of widespread occurrence of diet-associated metabolic disorders in global human populations. Here we report that mangiferin (MGF), a natural compound (the predominant constituent of Mangifera indica extract from the plant that produces mango), protected against HFD-induced weight gain, increased aerobic mitochondrial capacity and thermogenesis, and improved glucose and insulin profiles. To obtain mechanistic insight into the basis for these effects, we determined that mice exposed to an HFD combined with MGF exhibited a substantial shift in respiratory quotient from fatty acid toward carbohydrate utilization. MGF treatment significantly increased glucose oxidation in muscle of HFD-fed mice without changing fatty acid oxidation. These results indicate that MGF redirects fuel utilization toward carbohydrates. In cultured C2C12 myotubes, MGF increased glucose and pyruvate oxidation and ATP production without affecting fatty acid oxidation, confirming in vivo and ex vivo effects. Furthermore, MGF inhibited anaerobic metabolism of pyruvate to lactate but enhanced pyruvate oxidation. A key target of MGF appears to be pyruvate dehydrogenase, determined to be activated by MGF in a variety of assays. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of activation of carbohydrate utilization in correction of metabolic syndrome and highlight the potential of MGF to serve as a model compound that can elicit fuel-switching effects.
Entrapping Intermediates of Thermal Aggregation in α-Helical Proteins with Low Concentration of Guanidine Hydrochloride

Abstract Aggregation of proteins is a problem with serious medical implications and economic importance. To develop strategies for preventing aggregation, the mechanism(s) and pathways by which proteins aggregate must be characterized. In this study, the thermally induced aggregation processes of three α-helix proteins (myoglobin, cytochrome c, and lysozyme) in the presence and absence of 1.0 m guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) were investigated by means of infrared spectroscopy. In the absence of GdnHCl, intensities of the α-helix bands (∼1656 cm−1) decrease as a function of temperature at above 50 °C. With myoglobin and cytochrome c, the loss of helix bands was accompanied by the appearance of two new bands at 1694 and 1623 cm−1, indicative of the formation of intermolecular β-sheet aggregates. For lysozyme, bands indicative of intermolecular β-sheet aggregates did not appear in any significant intensity. In the presence of 1.0m GdnHCl, two major intermediate states rich in 310-helix (represented by the band at 1663 cm−1) and β-turn structure (represented by the band at 1667 cm−1), respectively, were observed. These findings demonstrated that IR spectroscopic studies of protein aggregation using a combination of thermal and chemical denaturing factors could provide a means to populate and characterize aggregation intermediates.
Radiation dose-dependent variations of micronuclei production in cytochalasin B-blocked human lymphocytes

Using the cytokinesis-block technique, lymphocytes from healthy volunteers (n = 9) were evaluated for (1) the radiation dose-response curve for micronuclei (MN) expression; (2) technique variables on the yield of MN; and (3) the shortest lymphocyte incubation time required for the MN assay. We found that the best fitting of relationships between increasing MN production and increasing irradiation dose (0–4.0 Gy) was the linear-quadratic model as expressed by the yield equation Y = C + αD + βD2 (P = 0.0003). When lymphocytes were irradiated in vitro with 2.0 Gy and harvested at various time intervals, MN increased during the entire 84 hr culture time. The radiation caused a division delay in lymphocyte as indicated by an increased frequency of mononucleated cells and a decreased number of mitotic indices. The data showed that a shortened culture time (60 hr) for the MN assay is possible and that binucleated cells with ⩾ 3 MN were found only in cells irradiated at ⩾ 2.0 Gy. These findings suggest that scoring of MN in lymphocytes may be a practical biological dosimeter for the rapid screening of accidental radiation exposure victims, especially when their clinical manifestations are not obvious. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Direct tunneling RAM (DT-RAM) for high-density memory applications

A new approach to reducing the tunnel oxide thickness in floating gate memories is introduced for RAM applications. Experimental measurements and two-dimensional (2-D) device simulations are used to investigate the operating principles of a direct tunneling RAM (DT-RAM) cell. DT-RAM targets memory applications in which manufacturability, scalability, low-power, high-density, and long retention times are important considerations.
Self-Similar Algorithms for Dynamic Distributed Systems

This paper proposes a methodology for designing a class of algorithms for computing functions in dynamic distributed systems in which communication channels and processes may cease functioning temporarily or permanently. Communication and computing may be interrupted by an adversary or by environmental factors such as noise and power loss. The set of processes may be partitioned into subsets that cannot communicate with each other; algorithms in which all such subsets behave in a similar fashion, regardless of size and identities of processes, are called self-similar algorithms. Algorithms adapt to changing conditions, speeding up or slowing down depending on the resources available. The paper presents necessary and sufficient conditions for the application of a self-similar strategy. Self-similar algorithms are developed for several problems by applying the methodology.
The significance of Drought, Disease and Famine in the agriculturally marginal zones of West-Central Africa

Some 170 references to drought and disease along the south-western coast of Central Africa between 1550 and 1830 suggest that climatic and epidemiological factors motivated the farmers and herders of West-Central Africa in historically significant ways. Nearly all references come from documentary sources and so bear primarily on conditions in the drier and less fertile areas near Luanda and to the south, where African reactions would have been strongest.While minor shortages of rain occurred too frequently to receive much explicit attention in the documents, longer droughts spread more widely every decade or so and attracted notice. Major periods of dryness, extending for seven years or more and touching all parts of the region, occurred perhaps once each century and produced comments throughout the documentation.Localized minor droughts hardly disrupted the lives of Africans, who had presumably devised agricultural and pastoral strategies to take account of such ordinary climatic variation. Two-or three-year rainfall shortages produced banditry and warfare that often attracted Portuguese military retaliation. Major droughts disrupted polities and societies and hence coincided with major turning points in West-Central African history in the late sixteenth and late eighteenth centuries. In the earlier case, agricultural failures produced the famed ‘Jaga’ or Imbangala warriors, who elevated pillage to a way of life and who joined the Portuguese in establishing the Angolan slave trade. The later, protracted drought from 1784 to 1793 coincided with the historic peak of slave exports from West-Central Africa.
Baryon oscillations as a cosmological probe

Mapping the expansion of the Universe gives clues to the underlying physics causing the recently discovered acceleration of the expansion, and enables discrimination among cosmological models. We examine the utility of measuring the rate of expansion, $H(z),$ at various epochs, both alone and in combination with distance measurements. Because of parameter degeneracies, it proves most useful as a complement to precision distance-redshift data. Using the baryon oscillations in the matter power spectrum as a standard rod allows determination of $H(z)/({\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{m}{h}^{2}{)}^{1/2}$ free of most major systematics, and thus provides a window on dark energy properties. We discuss the addition of this data from a next generation galaxy redshift survey such as KAOS to precision distance information from a next generation supernova survey such as SNAP. This can provide useful crosschecks as well as lead to improvement on estimation of a time variation in the dark energy equation of state by factors ranging from 15\char21{}50 %.
Ensemble Modeling of CME Propagation

The current progression toward solar maximum provides a unique opportunity to use multi-perspective spacecraft observations together with numerical models to better understand the evolution and propagation of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Of interest to both the scientific and forecasting communities are the Earth-directed “halo” CMEs, since they typically produce the most geoeffective events. However, determining the actual initial geometries of halo CMEs is a challenge due to the plane-of-sky projection effects. Thus the recent 15 February 2011 halo CME event has been selected for this study. During this event the Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO) A and B spacecraft were fortuitously located ∼ 90° away from the Sun–Earth line such that the CME was viewed as a limb event from these two spacecraft, thereby providing a more reliable constraint on the initial CME geometry. These multi-perspective observations were utilized to provide a simple geometrical description that assumes a cone shape for a CME to calculate its angular width and central position. The event was simulated using the coupled Wang–Sheeley–Arge (WSA)-Enlil 3D numerical solar corona-solar wind model. Daily updated global photospheric magnetic field maps were used to drive the background solar wind. To improve our modeling techniques, the sensitivity of the modeled CME arrival times to the initial input CME geometry was assessed by creating an ensemble of numerical simulations based on multiple sets of cone parameters for this event. It was found that the accuracy of the modeled arrival times not only depends on the initial input CME geometry, but also on the accuracy of the modeled solar wind background, which is driven by the input maps of the photospheric field. To improve the modeling of the background solar wind, the recently developed data-assimilated magnetic field synoptic maps produced by the Air Force Data Assimilative Photospheric flux Transport (ADAPT) model were used. The ADAPT maps provide a more instantaneous snapshot of the global photospheric field distribution than that provided by traditional daily updated synoptic maps. Using ADAPT to drive the background solar wind, an ensemble set of eight different CME arrival times was generated, where the spread in the predictions was ∼ 13 hours and was nearly centered on the observed CME shock arrival time.
Public Pay Disclosure in State Government An Ethical Analysis

This qualitative analysis examines state legislation that discloses public employee salary information. It asks, “Is such legislation ethical?” To address this question, an approach—the “ethics tri...
DFBX boxes - electrical and cryogenic distribution boxes for the superconducting magnets in the LHC straight sections

DFBX distribution boxes provide cryogenic and electrical services to superconducting quadrupoles and to a superconducting dipole at either end of four of the long straight sections in the LHC. The DFBX boxes also provide instrumentation and quench protection to the magnets. Current for the quadrupole and the dipole magnet is delivered through leads that combine HTS and gas cooled leads. Current for the 600 A and 120 A correction magnets is provided by pure gas-cooled leads. The bus bars from the leads to the magnets pass through low leak-rate lambda plugs between 1.8 K and 4.4 K. The heat leak into the 1.9 K region from the liquid helium tank is determined by the design of the lambda plugs. This paper describes the DFBX boxes and their function of delivering current and instrumentation signals to the magnets.
Differences in the patterning of affective expression in infants.

Abstract In this report the authors describe a recently developed methodology for assessing emotional expression in infants that they believe has promise for the study of individual differences in the capacity to adaptively “regulate” affective states. The methodology involves exposing the infants to an experimental paradigm designed to elicit a range of emotional behavior. The presence and intensity of each of six emotions (pleasure, interest, fear, anger, sadness, and distress) are rated at consecutive intervals throughout the session. A picture of the fluctuating intensity of each of these emotions during the observation session is thus obtained. One normal infant and four infants from disturbed caretaking backgrounds who showed distinct patterns of emotional response are presented. Brief histories of the children's backgrounds are provided, which lend support to the authors' belief that affective patterning in the child is determined to a large extent by the quality of affective interchanges with primary caretakers.
Teaching power system protection with industry's cooperation

Since 1988, the system relay engineer of Kansas Power & Light Gas Service has served as a guest lecturer for the course on fault analysis and protection of power systems at Kansas State University. He meets the class five times during the semester. Two of these visits are field trips. In the other three visits he discusses power systems protection from a practicing engineer's point of view. He also discuss a practical design problem prepared for this class. The details of the course, the design project, and other activities are described. The benefits of such cooperation between university and industry are outlined. The main objectives of this course are to: make the students familiar with symmetrical components and fault analysis; make the students familiar with computer methods for fault analysis; make the students familiar with directional overcurrent, differential, distance, and pilot protection; impart practical knowledge on protection to the students; are prepare students for projection-related jobs in the utilities. >
Breaking Survival Curves and Oxygen Removal Times in Irradiated Bacterial Spores

Although there are ambiguities about these results and their interpretations, this unambiguous experimental observation was made: the two kinds of experiments designed to measure deoxygenation times did not give the same answer, for a given N2 flushing rate, unless t-butanol was present. The addition of t-butanol caused large changes in the positions of the survival curve breakpoints, but only small changes in the 'times to anoxia' in the pre-irradiation glushing experiments. Although careful additional work is needed, these initial results suggest that in the spore, the survival curve breakpoint probably does not represent the dose at which anoxia is reached unless t-butanol is present.
Cloud base height from sky imager and cloud speed sensor

Cloud base height (CBH) is a critical input to short-term solar forecasting algorithms, yet CBH measurements are difficult to obtain. Existing methods to detect CBH include radiosondes, ceilometers, and the stereographic method. However, these methods are deficient for intra-hour forecasting due to high costs or low temporal resolution. While satellite images could overcome these limitations, only the cloud top height can be determined from the thermal IR channel. We describe the integration of a cloud shadow speed sensor (CSS) with angular cloud speed from a sky imager to determine CBH. Furthermore, an improved methodology to determine cloud motion vectors from the CSS is presented, which offers lower noise and greater accuracy and stability than existing methods. Two months at the UC San Diego campus were used for validation against measurements from meteorological aerodrome reports (METAR) and an on-site ceilometer. Typical daily root mean square differences (RMSD) are 126 m which corresponds to 16.9% of the observed CBH. Normalized RMSD remains below 30% for all days. The daily bias is usually less than 80 m which suggests that the method is robust and that most of the RMSD is driven by short-term random fluctuations in CBH. Unlike sky image stereography the present method can be applied to measurements at a single site making it widely applicable.
Monoamine oxidase B levels are highly expressed in human gliomas and are correlated with the expression of HiF-1α and with transcription factors Sp1 and Sp3

Monoamine oxidases A and B (MAOA and MAOB) are highly expressed in many cancers. Here we investigated the level of MAOB in gliomas and confirmed its high expression. We found that MAOB levels correlated with tumor grade and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HiF-1α) expression. HiF-1α was localized to the nuclei in high-grade gliomas, but it was primarily cytosolic in low-grade gliomas and normal human astrocytes. Expression of both glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and MAOB are correlated to HiF-1α expression levels. Levels of MAOB are correlated by the levels of transcription factor Sp3 in the majority of GBM examined, but this control of MAOB expression by Sp3 in low grade astrocytic gliomas is significantly different from control in the in the majority of glioblastomas. The current findings support previous suggestions that MAOB can be exploited for the killing of cancer cells. Selective cell toxicity can be achieved by designing non-toxic prodrugs that require MAOB for their catalytic conversion into mature cytotoxic chemotherapeutics.
ANTIBODY TO HEPATITIS A AND HEMODIALYSIS

Antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) was surveyed in 469 patients from 20 of 31 Michigan hemodialysis units, during spring 1978. The mean point prevalence of anti-HAV was 59.5% and within the 20 individual units ranged from zero to 100%. For the entire survey population, the point prevalence of anti-HAV was significantly greater with increasing age, among blacks, and in individuals with hypertension as their underlying renal disease. Anti-HAV was independent of sex, duration of dialysis, or the presence of either hepatitis B surface antigen or its associated antibody. Within individual units, anti-HAV prevalence was associated with a higher mean patient age but not with dialysis unit size, mean duration of dialysis therapy, race, or prevalence of hepatitis B markers among patients or staff. These data support reports that transmission of the hepatitis A virus is neither associated with hemodialysis therapy nor routinely spread by parenteral mechanisms as observed in hepatitis B virus transmission.
Hematogenous pyelonephritis in rats. II. Production of chronic pyelonephritis by Escherichia coli.

Summary and Conclusions1) Chronic bilateral pyelonephritis without manifest hydronephrosis was produced experimentally in the albino rat by a simple non-surgical technique. This experimental disease provides a model for study of human pyelonephritis. 2) Renal inflammation tended to persist after infection had disappeared. 3) Vascular disesae and hypertension did not develop; however, the lesions were of insufficient severity to produce azotemia.