cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic Considerations in Rare Plant Reintroduction: Practical Applications (or How Are We Doing?)

The importance of considering genetic variation in conservation of rare plants is well understood (Falk and Holsinger 1991; Hamrick and Godt 1996; Rieseberg and Swensen 1996). In addition, the importance of considering genetic diversity in plant reintroduction has been well argued (Fenster and Dudash 1994; Mistretta 1994; Havens 1998; Falk et al. 2001, 2006; Hufford and Mazer 2003). As a result, various guidelines for collecting propagules (primarily seed) for reintroduction based on genetic theory have been put forth (Knapp and Rice 1994; Center for Plant Conservation 1996; McKay et al. 2005). Here I review the tenets of restoration genetics before discussing the means of measuring genetic diversity in species slated for reintroduction. Current collection guidelines for reintroduction and examples of empirical studies that have measured genetic variation before, during, and after reintroduction are presented and evaluated. Lastly, further arguments for the inclusion of genetic data in reintroduction practice are presented, with a brief discussion of the issue of managed relocation and how genetic data may inform the future of plant reintroduction in a changing climate.
Local Analytic Functions

A logarithm function has two features. On the one hand, it is a primitive of 1/z. On the other it is an inverse to the exponential. However, on the one hand 1/z does not have a primitive on any ring around 0 (because its integral over a circle around 0 is not 0), and on the other, the exponential is not one to one.
A More Flexible Method for Recognizing Signals Using Back Propagation: Piecewise Linear Regression Vectors

Using the neural network architecture of back propagation applied to speech recognition, a new input data structure is developed which improves shift invariance when recognizing signal data in the form such as a formant. The preliminary development of the data structure, piecewise linear regression vectors, is reported. The new input data structure reduces the amount of data presented to the network by as much as an order of magnitude, giving a computational advantage in execution speed.
Modeling mixing processes in the Columbia River estuary: a model-data comparison

Columbia River estuary is a macro-tidal estuary, shallow except for two narrow channels through which most of the salt transport takes place. Mixing processes in the two channels are strongly affected by Spring-Neap variations in the tidal range, river discharges (which typically exceed 10,000 m3/s during spring freshets) and coastal winds. The interactions between these forcings controls residual flows inside the estuary, which in turn impacts the extent of salt intrusion into the estuary. Using a new 3D baroclinic circulation model (ELCIRC, [12]) , a year long database of numerical simulations has been developed and contrasted against data from a network of in situ instruments which form a part of CORIE. CORIE is a long term coastal-margin observatory system for the Columbia River. In this paper we (a) show that ELCIRC simulations are able to reproduce some but not all key complex interactions observed in the field, (b) study the spatial and temporal variations circulation patterns using a combination of simulations and observations, and (c) use simulations to quantify the role played by each of the forcings (tides, winds, and discharge) on the residual circulation and salinity intrusion patterns.
RUMINATION AND GROWTH FAILURE IN MALE FRATERNAL TWIN Association with Disturbed Family Environment

Observations on a male infant with the rumination syndrome and growth failure are presented. The infant9s twin sister did not exhibit rumination. The rumination and growth failure in the male twin began concurrently with intense marital conflict and anxiety in the family environment. Hospitalization of the male and mothering by the nursing staff strikingly reversed his growth failure. With aid from multiple sources a more suitable family environment was established, the father returned to the home, and psychiatric assistance was provided. Special attention was given to the male twin during and after the hospitalization. During this time the female twin9s linear growth and weight increments began to decelerate, so that by age 2 3/12 years both twins were of comparable size. At age 3 4/12 years both were slightly above the 3rd percentile for linear growth. Possible explanations for the findings are presented and the subject of rumination in infants is reviewed. These cases offer further evidence that growth failure associated with certain types of disordered family environments may be psychosomatic in origin.
Immunodeficiency and autoimmunity in H2-O-deficient mice.

HLA-DO/H2-O is a highly conserved, nonpolymorphic MHC class II-like molecule expressed in association with H2-M in thymic epithelial cells, B lymphocytes, and primary dendritic cells. The physiological function of DO remains unknown. The finding of cell maturation-dependent DO expression in B lymphocytes and dendritic cells suggests the possibility that H2-O functions to promote the presentation of exogenous Ag by attenuating presentation of endogenous self-peptides. In the current study, we report that H2-O −/− mice spontaneously develop high titers of IgG2a/c antinuclear Abs (ANAs) with specificity for dsDNA, ssDNA, and histones. Reconstitution of RAG1 − / − mice with T and B cells from H2-O − / − or wild-type mice demonstrated that production of ANAs requires participation of CD4 + T cells from H2-O − / − mice. Bone marrow chimeras demonstrated that loss of H2-O expression in thymic epithelial cells did not induce ANAs, and that lack of H2-O expression in bone marrow-derived cells was sufficient to induce the autoimmune phenotype. Despite production of high titers of autoantibodies, H2-O −/− mice exhibit a delayed generation of humoral immunity to model Ags (OVA and keyhole limpet hemocyanin), affecting all major T-dependent Ig classes, including IgG2a/c. Ag presentation experiments demonstrated that presentation of exogenous Ag by H2-O −/− APC was inefficient as compared with wild-type APC. Thus, H2-O promotes immunity toward exogenous Ags while inhibiting autoimmunity. We suggest that H2-O, through spatially or temporally inhibiting H2-M, may enhance presentation of exogenous Ag by limiting newly generated MHC class II molecules from forming stable complexes with endogenous self-peptides.
Effects of color temperature (Kelvin) of LED bulbs on blood physiological variables of broilers grown to heavy weights (674.1)

Light-emitting diode (LED) has been used in the poultry industry to reduce energy usage in broiler production facilities. However, limited data are available comparing efficacy of different wavelength of LED bulbs. The present study evaluated the effects of color temperature (Kelvin) of LED bulbs on blood physiological variables of broilers grown to heavy weights. The experimental was a randomized complete block design. Four treatments consisted of 3 LED light bulbs (2700k, Warm [LED-1], 3500k, [LED-2,], 5000k, Cool [LED-3]) and incandescent light (ICD, control) from 0 to 56 d of age along with 5 lx intensity starting from 22 to 56 d of age. Chicks were equally and randomly distributed into 16 environmentally-controlled rooms at 50% RH. Each of the 4 treatments were represented by 4 rooms with 4 replicates. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Venous blood samples were collected on d 21 (base line) and d 56 of age. Treatments and sex had significant (P ≤ 0.05) effect on BW, pH, pCO2, pO2, and sO...
Heat Transfer from Heat-Generating Pools and Particulate Beds

Publisher Summary This chapter explores that the significant amount of data for natural convection in volumetrically heated layers contained in rectangular, cylindrical, and spherical geometries are available in the literature. It discusses that the correlations based on these data cover Rayleigh numbers up to 10 14 (spherical geometry). For applications to a pool of molten core material formed in the lower head of the reactor vessel, the interest is in heat transfer at Rayleigh numbers up to 10 17 Limited data and correlations for convective heat transfer in superposed layers exist. The data suggests that the two layers can be treated as independent layers, and the correlations representative of each layer can be used to predict the rate of heat transfer. However, no data exists when the overlying layer has a very low Prandtl number as is the case for a layer of steel overlying a layer of core material. The chapter also highlights that dryout heat flux models based on hydrodynamic considerations are adequate for engineering applications.
Other Systemic Forms of Amyloidosis

While the transthyretin amyloidoses are the most common form of hereditary amyloidosis, mutations in a number of other proteins are associated with systemic amyloidosis. Some give clinical features similar to TTR amyloidosis but others have unique phenotypes. Proteins that we now know cause familial forms of systemic amyloidosis include apolipoprotein-AI (ApoAI), fibrinogen Aα-chain, lysozyme, apolipoprotein-AII (ApoAII), gelsolin, and cystatin C. The diseases associated with these proteins are all inherited in an autosomal dominant Mendelian fashion with varying degrees of penetrance. In addition, the newly characterized systemic amyloidosis associated with leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 (LECT 2) is also included in the non-TTR forms of systemic amyloidosis, although no inheritance pattern has been noted. Several of these mutant proteins (fibrinogen, lysozyme, apolipoprotein-AI, apolipoprotein-AII) are characterized particularly by renal failure. Gelsolin has a unique phenotype of lattice corneal dystrophy, cranial nerve palsy, and cutis laxa. Cystatin C amyloidosis is characterized by cerebral vascular angiopathy and death from intracranial hemorrhage. While the numbers of patients with these various forms of amyloidosis are unknown they must be considered when evaluating any patient suspected of having familial amyloidosis.
The Los Angeles Motor Scale (LAMS): a new measure to characterize stroke severity in the field.

Abstract Objective To develop and retrospectively analyze an instrument that rapidly characterizes pretreatment stroke severity for use in prehospital acute stroke clinical trials. Methods The Los Angeles Motor Scale (LAMS) was constructed by assigning point values to Los Angeles Prehospital Stroke Screen (LAPSS) items of facial weakness, arm strength, and grip to yield a total 0–5 scale. The concurrent, discriminant, and predictive validities of the LAMS were probed using data from 90 patients enrolled in acute stroke clinical trials. Predictive performance of the LAMS was compared with that of the initial full National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the five-item shortened NIHSS (sNIHSS) in projecting long-term outcomes on standard functional end points. Results LAMS score at entry averaged mean 2.6, median 2. Entry LAMS scores correlated closely with entry NIHSS scores (r = 0.75). LAMS score correlations with three-month functional outcome measures were robust. Receiver operator curve analyses (c statistic) for performance in predicting three-month outcomes were: three-month modified Rankin—LAMS 0.75, sNIHSS 0.69, NIHSS 0.74; three-month Barthel Index—LAMS 0.77, sNIHSS 0.76, NIHSS 0.82; three-month NIHSS—LAMS 0.76, sNIHSS 0.62, NIHSS 0.70; and three-month GOS—LAMS 0.55, sNIHSS 0.67, NIHSS 0.76. Considering dichotomized three-month measures, entry LAMS scores were markedly lower in patients destined for excellent outcome, e.g., three-month modified Rankin score≤1, mean entry LAMS score 2.2 versus 3.7, p = .0002. Conclusions A motor score derived from the LAPSS rapidly quantifies stroke severity in the field and predicts functional outcomes with accuracy comparable to that of the full NIHSS and the sNIHSS.
An observational study of race-, age-, and sex-heterogeneous interaction in preschoolers

Abstract This study investigated the play behaviors and playmates of preschool children in naturally occurring preschool classrooms. Fifty observations were made on each child in which their play behavior and the number and identity of each playmate were recorded. The preschoolers interacted with same-age and same-sex play partners at a rate greater than that expected by chance. Girls were more likely than boys to choose same-age partners, and older children were more likely than younger children to choose same-sex partners. Same-race interactions were not more frequent than expected by chance. However, the age-, sex-, and race-homogeneous interactions were not uniformly distributed over the play categories investigated. The interactive play categories were more likely to be homogeneous with respect to age, sex, and race, whereas the parallel play categories were more likely to be heterogeneous with respect to age, sex, and race. The play groups engaged in interactive play were also found to be smaller than those engaged in parallel play. This suggests that play interactions that are more direct and intense are likely to take place in smaller groups and between children who are similar to one another.
Intraband optical conductivity sigma/omega,T/ of Cu, Ag, and Au - Contribution from electron-electron scattering

The frequency and temperature dependence of the intraband optical conductivity of the noble metals Cu, Ag and Au is measured and contributions of electron-electron scattering are assessed. Optical measurements were performed at temperatures of 77, 295 and 425 K to obtain values of the Drude electron scattering rate with a linear dependence on temperature which may be attributed to electron-phonon scattering, and a quadratic dependence on photon energy, which is suggestive of electron-electron scattering but is a factor of two to three times greater than would be expected. Comparison of the optical data with dc electrical and thermal resistivity data which also show behavior attributed to electron-electron scattering reveals discrepancies of up to an order of magnitude. Other possible mechanisms for the frequency dependence, including absorptance, electron-surface plasmon interactions, a two-carrier model, and a structure dependence are considered, and it is concluded that the frequency dependence in the Drude scattering rates of the noble metals is not yet quantitatively understood
Evaluation of Damage Tolerance in Aircraft Structures

The specific requirements and the evaluation procedures used to qualify the damage tolerance of two competing wing carrythrough structure designs are reviewed. One design is principally beta-processed 6A1-4V titanium in a fail safe configuration, and the other is principally 10 Ni steel in a monolithic configuration. Fail safe analyses were conducted using finite element models with individual elements reduced in size or eliminated to simulate failure. Crack arrest was evaluated experimentally on panels with brazed stiff en ers. Crack growth analyses were based on extensive test data and the Wheeler retardation model.
Sound and vibration damping characteristics in natural material based sandwich composites

Abstract Recently, considerable attention has been paid on the utilization of natural materials in structures. Utilizing natural materials over traditional, synthetic structures results in a reduction of carbon emissions from material synthesis; such a source of materials could also be renewable and recyclable. Currently, few reports exist on sound and vibrational properties in sandwich composites with the use of natural materials. Sandwich composites are commonly used in structures for their superior strength and stiffness-to-weight ratios, but from these same properties, they radiate noise efficiently. Here, in this study, the sound and vibration damping properties of natural material based sandwich composites were explored and characterized. It was experimentally observed that utilizing a balsa wood core with a natural fiber based face sheet has a 100% improvement in coincidence frequency, a metric of acoustic performance, and the combination of a natural fiber based face sheet with a Rohacell 51 WF synthetic core exhibits a 233% increase over a fully synthetic sandwich composite. As these improvements in acoustic performance are achieved with only small sacrifices in bending stiffness, these results suggest that, if optimized, natural material based sandwich composites could be an environmentally friendly solution to the sandwich structure-noise radiation problem.
Perchlorate Exposure is Associated with Oxidative Stress and Indicators of Serum Iron Homeostasis Among NHANES 2005–2008 Subjects

Perchlorate (ClO4 (-)), an oxidizing agent, is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. Several studies have investigated its thyroid hormone disrupting properties. Its associations with other biological measures are largely unknown. This study, combining 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, investigated associations between urinary perchlorate and biomarkers of iron homeostasis, lipids, blood cell counts, and glucose metabolism. Healthy males (n = 3705), non-pregnant females (n = 2967), and pregnant females (n = 356), aged 12-59 years, were included in the linear regression models, which showed significant positive (+) and negative (-) associations for both males and non-pregnant females with serum uric acid (-), serum iron (-), RBC count (-), blood urea nitrogen (+), and lymphocyte count (+). Other significant associations were observed for either males or non-pregnant females. Among pregnant females, perchlorate was significantly associated with blood urea nitrogen (+) and serum iron (-). These associations may be indicators of perchlorate's potential effect on several biological systems, which when considered in total, may implicate perturbation of iron homeostasis.
Comparison of Gifted Children and Their Parents' Perception of the Home Environment

The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of agreement of the perceptions of the home environment between gifted students and their parents The Family Environment Scale was administered to 63 gifted students enrolled in a summer residential program and their parents. Subscale scores for children and their parents were compared and several significant differences were found; Suggestions were made as to how parents may be able to further improve the family enviroment for their gifted children.
Multilayer adsorption with molecular orientation of asphalt on mineral aggregate and other substrates

The adsorption of asphalt on aggregate surfaces was studied by several experimental methods by the Bureau of Mines. The adsorption rate of asphalt on an aggregate surface was found by flowing asphalt through a column of aggregate and measuring the decrease in flow rate. Photomicrographs revealed a striated structure in the asphalt region near the asphalt–substrate interface. The photomicrographs suggest that, as asphalt molecules are adsorbed on substrates, the postulated large, sheet-like molecules are aligned perpendicular to the interface. Perpendicular orientation of asphalt molecules near the interfacial region is also supported by evidence of dipole fields produced by the alignment of the asphalt dipoles. Contact angle measurements of 1-bromonaphthalene on asphalt surface in prior contact to a mica surface further supports interfacial structuring. A multilayer adsorption mechanism, with preferred orientation of asphalt molecules on the aggregate surface, is proposed as an explanation of the observations.
The effect of matrix composition on radially resolved argon metastable atom populations in an emission ICP

We report radially resolved relative number densities for argon metastable atoms recorded by bleaching absorbers in a short segment of the absorption path of a continuous wave diode laser with a pulsed dye laser. The densities were measured in the presence and in the absence of high concentrations of metallic species. Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Y, Cu, La, Nd, Sm, and Gd were introduced into the plasma to model a variety of matrix species. At a height of 12 mm above the load coil, all of the introduced matrix species with the exception of copper caused significant increases in the steady-state argon metastable atom density. To examine the relationship between the argon metastable atoms and analyte or matrix ions, we recorded transient changes in argon metastable density in response to pulsed laser radiation tuned to a resonance ionic line of a selected metal in the plasma. Saturation of the ionic resonance lines caused transient decreases in the argon metastable atom density on a nanosecond time scale. The response of the argon metastable atoms to excitation of metal species is too fast to be due to collisions between excited metal ions and argon metastable atoms. We attribute the observed responses to heating of the electrons by suprathermal inelastic collisions between electrons and excited metal ions, followed by enhanced collisional excitation by electrons of argon atoms in the 4s levels.
Properties of Aluminum Oxide Films Obtained from Nitrous Oxide and Aluminum Trimethyl

Aluminum oxide (both amorphous and ) have been deposited from the reaction of aluminum trimethyl and nitrous oxide at 650°C. The refractive index is and the dielectric constant is . Films have a resistivity of 1014 ohm‐cm at 106 V/cm. D‐C current‐voltage characteristics indicate a Poole‐Frenkel model of conduction similar to that for films. Turn on voltage and MAOS capacitor flat band voltage stability of ±0.03V at 300°C and 106 V/cm has been, attained.
Residents' perceptions of their teachers: facilitative behaviour and the learning value of rotations

Summary. Despite changes in modern medicine the role of the clinical teacher remains central to medical residents' education and rotations continue to be their dominant educational context. Residents have strong positive feelings for clinical teachers who are perceived as interested in teaching and for those rotations that provide a balance of educational opportunities and patient care responsibilities. Research in residency education has focused on teacher behaviours used to teach medical residents clinical information or patient care skills but has neglected teacher behaviours used to facilitate effective learning relationships with residents. To explore the impact of clinical teachers' use of facilitative behaviours on residents' educational experience, we use concepts stemming from the psychologist Carl Rogers' work previously shown to be associated with positive learning outcomes — empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence. These constructs are measured by the use of the four scales of the Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory (BLRI) — level of regard, unconditionality of regard, congruence and empathy. Our study measures the correlation between residents' perceptions of clinical teachers' use of facilitative behaviours and residents' evaluation of the learning value of rotations. Thirty-three residents completed the BLRI on a different clinical teacher for each of six monthly rotations. A total of 158 surveys were returned. There were strong positive correlations between three of the BLRI variables and residents' perception of the learning value of rotations. Potential uses of these findings are discussed.
Desalination and Long-Haul Water Transfer: A Case Study of the Energy-Water Nexus in Texas

Energy and water are interrelated. We use water for energy, for example to cool thermoelectric power generation and produce liquid fuels. Conversely, we use energy for the collection, treatment, disinfection, and distribution of water and wastewater. In the water sector, strain on existing water supplies, population growth, and the push toward stricter water and wastewater treatment standards potentially leads to more energy-intensive water. Treating water to more stringent potable standards requires additional energy beyond conventional treatment. Additionally, as existing water supplies become increasingly strained in some locations, water planners turn to alternative options to quench cities’ thirst. Among these options for inland cities is desalination of seawater followed by long-haul water transfer. Though many desalination technologies exist to treat seawater to potable standards, reverse osmosis membranes are the most common technology in use because of their cost-effectiveness and productivity as compared with more traditional techniques such as multi-effect distillation. [1] However, the high pressures required for reverse osmosis make desalination a very energy-intensive water supply option. The subsequent conveyance of desalinated water through long-haul pipelines also requires large amounts of energy. Even for local water production, 85% of the energy required for standard surface water treatment goes toward water distribution, and so adding in long-haul will only increase this requirement. [2] To examine desalination and long-haul transfer as a drinking water supply option, Texas was chosen as a test-bed with desalination near Houston and long-haul transfer to the rapidly-growing Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Various pipeline routes were modeled to simulate options for long-haul desalinated water transfer. Elevation change over the route of the long-haul transfer pipeline was determined using a digital elevation model of the state of Texas. These elevation data were then used to calculate energy requirements for water pumping with standard assumptions for pump performance, efficiency, and rating. Combining these energy requirements with the energy demands for desalination provides an estimate of this option as a water supply for Dallas-Fort Worth. Results suggest that desalination and long-haul transfer as a drinking water supply is 9 to 23 times more energy-intensive per unit of water than conventional treatment of local surface water sources, an increase of 230 to 630 megawatt-hours per day for 20 million gallons. Ensuring adequate water supplies for the future is important, as is developing these water supplies in a sustainable manner. The energy-intensity of desalination and long-haul transfer as a drinking water supply suggests this option is not a sustainable water or energy policy decision if other less energy-intensive options exist.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
High current dosimetry techniques

Abstract A review of techniques for electrical measurement of high current ion beams is presented. A computer analysis of the secondary-particle current-collection schemes is made for dosimetry-cup configurations commonly used on ion implanters with electrostatic scanning. The design of a dosimetry cup for a high current implanter with mechanical scanning is discussed. Also beam monitoring techniques for uniformity measurements are reviewed.
Data Analysis at LAMPF: A Hierarchical Approach

The development of data analysis at LAMPF has evolved to provide a hierarchy of data-analysis capability. This capability ranges from dataacquisition computers (when not in use for data acquisition), large minicomputers, super minicomputers, and large computers such as the CDC-7600 or CRAY-1. This hierarchy of capability allows one to analyze data in the most cost-effective manner. The connection to the LASL Central Computing Facility (CCF) will be through XNET, an extended network linking remote sites to the CCF. XNET, along with a proposed local network, will be described.
Structure of AAV-DJ, a Retargeted Gene Therapy Vector: Cryo-Electron Microscopy at 4.5 Å Resolution

AAV-DJ, a leading candidate vector for liver gene therapy, was created through random homologous recombination followed by directed evolution, selecting for in vivo liver tropism and resistance to in vitro immune neutralization. Here, the 4.5 A resolution cryo-EM structure is determined for the engineered AAV vector, revealing structural features that illuminate its phenotype. The heparan sulfate receptor-binding site is little changed from AAV-2, and heparin-binding affinity is similar. A loop that is antigenic in other serotypes has a unique conformation in AAV-DJ that would conflict with the binding of an AAV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibody. This is consistent with increased resistance to neutralization by human polyclonal sera, raising the possibility that changed tropism may be a secondary effect of altered immune interactions. The reconstruction exemplifies analysis of fine structural changes and the potential of cryo-EM, in favorable cases, to characterize mutant or ligand-bound complexes.
Rapid extraction of mean emotion and gender from sets of faces

Summary We frequently encounter crowds of faces. Here we report that, when presented with a group of faces, observers quickly and automatically extract information about the mean emotion in the group. This occurs even when observers cannot report anything about the individual identities that comprise the group. The results reveal an efficient and powerful mechanism that allows the visual system to extract summary statistics from a broad range of visual stimuli, including faces.
Polarization-based sensor for fingerprint identification

A novel polarization-based fingerprint identification sensor is proposed in this paper. This sensor consists of an optoelectronic system where the enrollment process is recorded optically and the identification process is carried out digitally using the concept of fringe-adjusted joint transform correlation technique. In the optical part, a polarized coherent light beam is used to record spatially dependent response of the scattering medium of the fingerprint to provide detailed surface information, which is not accessible to mere intensity measurement. Both simulation and experimental results are presented to evaluate the performance of the proposed technique.
Molecular Aspects of Brain Aromatase Cytochrome P450

Abstract Aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) enzyme activity catalyses the conversion of androgens to estrogens in specific brain areas. During central nervous system (CNS) development local estrogen formation influences sexual differentiation of neural structures, regulates neuroendocrine functions and sexual behavior. A proposed mechanism (and re-examination) of the sexual differentiation of the rodent brain is presented. The metabolic pathway of androgen metabolism by P450arom was characterized in the medial basal hypothalamic (MBH) tissue from male rats during various prenatal and postnatal developmental intervals. The P450arom enzyme activity was determined using a saturating concentration of [ 3 H]testosterone as the substrate, and the rates were quantified by scintillation counting. The MBH P450arom activity was highest during prenatal development (i.e. 3–6 pmol/h/mg protein), declined to moderate levels in newborns and infantile animals (approximately 1 pmol/h/mg protein) and then continued to decline to low activity rates in adult animals (approximately 80 fmol/h/mg protein). Regulation of the P450arom gene was characterized by a series of molecular biology studies where the controlling mechanism for brain P450arom was determined in MBH and amygdaloid tissue sites. Evidence for brain P450arom-specific mRNA in perinatal rats is presented as well as comparisons with rat ovary, a rat Leydig tumor cell line (R2C) and human fetal brain P450arom. Specifically, P450arom gene expression is driven in perinatal rat brain tissue by a different promoter compared to rat ovarian tissue or a R2C cell line, whereas human fetal brain tissue utilizes an almost identical promoter segment to that observed in the rodent. These findings provide an insight into the regulation of brain P450arom gene expression and suggest that there is an additional level of control for the expression of this gene during perinatal development. However, further study is necessary to understand the molecular basis of this complex developmental pattern of brain P450arom expression.
Cluster Approximations for Order-Disorder-Type Hydrogen-Bonded Ferroelectrics. II. Application to K H 2 P O 4

A four-particle cluster approximation is worked out for the free energy of ferroelectric K${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$P${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, taking into account the overlap of the protonic wave functions between the two sites in a hydrogen bond as well as short-range and long-range forces and a part of the proton-lattice interactions. The approximation reduces in the classical limit to the Slater-Takagi-Senko-Uehling treatment of the order-disorder transition in this crystal. It is shown that the changes in the Curie temperature, the spontaneous polarization, and the domain-wall mobility on deuteration can be derived from the decrease in the hydrogen overlap between the two sites and the lowering of the zero-point energy in an anharmonic potential.
The role of substrate-binding groups in the mechanism of aspartate-β-semialdehyde dehydrogenase

The reversible dephosphorylation of β-aspartyl phosphate to l-aspartate-β-semialdehyde (ASA) in the aspartate biosynthetic pathway is catalyzed by aspartate-β-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ASADH). The product of this reaction is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of diaminopimelic acid, an integral component of bacterial cell walls and a metabolic precursor of lysine and also a precursor in the biosynthesis of threonine, isoleucine and methionine. The structures of selected Haemophilus influenzae ASADH mutants were determined in order to evaluate the residues that are proposed to interact with the substrates ASA or phosphate. The substrate Km values are not altered by replacement of either an active-site arginine (Arg270) with a lysine or a putative phosphate-binding group (Lys246) with an arginine. However, the interaction of phosphate with the enzyme is adversely affected by replacement of Arg103 with lysine and is significantly altered when a neutral leucine is substituted at this position. A conservative Glu243 to aspartate mutant does not alter either ASA or phosphate binding, but instead results in an eightfold increase in the Km for the coenzyme NADP. Each of the mutations is shown to cause specific subtle active-site structural alterations and each of these changes results in decreases in catalytic efficiency ranging from significant (∼3% native activity) to substantial (<0.1% native activity).
Swept Volume Representation of Material Deposition Processes for Tissue Scaffold Fabrication

Solid freeform fabrication (SFF) techniques represent a class of manufacturing processes for creating 3D tissue scaffolds. One particular SFF method uses material deposition from a nozzle that undergoes piecewise linear motion. This work develops a process model for this manufacturing device using a swept volume representation of the capabilities of the tool. Specifically, a swept volume, including internal and external structures of scaffolds, describes the tool path information and defines the scaffold to be fabricated. This swept volume based model can be used to simulate the scaffold fabrication process, and to generate a virtual scaffold prototype.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Regulation of inducible heme oxygenase and cyclooxygenase isozymes in a mouse model of spotted fever group rickettsiosis

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) lining the blood vessels are the preferred primary targets of pathogenic Rickettsia species in the host. In response to oxidative stress triggered by infection, ECs launch defense mechanisms such as expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Previous evidence from an established animal model of Rocky Mountain spotted fever also suggests selective modulation of anti-oxidant enzyme activities in the target host tissues. In this study, we have examined the expression profiles of HO-1 and COX-2 in different tissues during Rickettsia conorii infection of susceptible C3H/HeN mice. RNA hybridization with murine HO-1 and COX-2-specific complementary DNA probes revealed increased HO-1 expression in the liver and brain of mice infected with three different doses of R. conorii ranging from 2.25×10(3) to 2.25×10(5) pfu, relatively non-remarkable changes in the lungs, and a trend for down-regulation in the spleen. The most prominent HO-1 response was evident in the liver with ∼4-fold increase on day 4 post-infection, followed by a decline on day 7. HO-1 expression in the brain, however, peaked with significantly higher levels on day 7. Following infection with both sub-lethal as well as lethal doses of infection, the transcript encoding COX-2 also displayed a pattern of increased expression in the liver and brain. Although immunohistochemical staining revealed increased abundance of HO-1 protein in the liver of infected mice, adjoining serial sections did not exhibit positive staining for COX-2 in infected tissues. The levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and keratinocyte-derived cytokine (KC) were significantly higher in the sera of infected mice and corresponded with the onset and severity of the disease. Treatment of infected animals with anti-oxidants α-lipoic acid and N-acetylcysteine and HO inhibitor stannous protoporphyrin (SnPPIX) showed only selective beneficial effects on HO-1 and COX-2 expression in the liver and spleen and serum levels of KC and MCP-1. R. conorii infection of susceptible mice, therefore, results in selective regulation of the expression of HO-1 and COX-2 in a manner dependent on the target host tissue's cellular environment and the propensity of infection with rickettsiae.
Classical rhetoric in the legal speeches of John Philpot Curran

John Philpot Curran was an important Irish lawyer of the late eighteenth and early nine-teenth centuries. Curran was taught the classical system of rhetoric at Trinity College, under the tutelage of Thomas Leland. This article examines how both classical rhetorical theory, and classical orations by Cicero and Demosthenes, influenced the rhetorical strategy employed by Curran to argue some of his most important criminal cases. The analysis discusses Curran's forensic practice in each of the five classical offices of the orator: Invention, Arrangement, Style, Memory, and Delivery. Of special note is the manner in which Curran imitated passages from classical orations as a way of suggesting an attitude for his hearers toward the cases he argued. The article demonstrates the practical importance of the classics in Irish legal culture at the turn of the nineteenth century.
Helicoidal multi-lamellar features of RGD-functionalized silk biomaterials for corneal tissue engineering

RGD-coupled silk protein-biomaterial lamellar systems were prepared and studied with human cornea fibroblasts (hCFs) to match functional requirements. A strategy for corneal tissue engineering was pursued to replicate the structural hierarchy of human corneal stroma within thin stacks of lamellae-like tissues, in this case constructed from scaffolds constructed with RGD-coupled, patterned, porous, mechanically robust and transparent silk films. The influence of RGD-coupling on the orientation, proliferation, ECM organization, and gene expression of hCFs was assessed. RGD surface modification enhanced cell attachment, proliferation, alignment and expression of both collagens (type I and V) and proteoglycans (decorin and biglycan). Confocal and histological images of the lamellar systems revealed that the bio-functionalized silk human cornea 3D constructs exhibited integrated corneal stroma tissue with helicoidal multi-lamellar alignment of collagen-rich and proteoglycan-rich extracellular matrix, with transparency of the construct. This biomimetic approach to replicate corneal stromal tissue structural hierarchy and architecture demonstrates a useful strategy for engineering human cornea. Further, this approach can be exploited for other tissue systems due to the pervasive nature of such helicoids in most human tissues.
Electron microscopy of trypsin-digested peripheral nerve myelin

Sciatic nerves from mice were removed and soaked in either PBS (phosphate buffered saline) or PBS plus 1% trypsin (Sigma Type III) for various periods of time. Specimens were soaked at either room temperature or 37 °C at pH's ranging from 7.5 to 8.0. The epineural and perineural sheaths were split to allow the trypsin to penetrate the nerve. Tissue was prepared for electron microscopy by fixation in cacodylate buffered formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde solutions, post-fixed in OsO4 and embedded in Epon 812 or in glutaraldehyde-urea resin without osmication. After four h incubation at 37 °C or eight h at room temperature, the basement membranes of the Schwann cells became fragmented and detached and the myelin intraperiod band lost some density. After 18 h, myelin with swollen intraperiod bands displaying a loss of electron density and split main period bands was noted adjacent to normal myelin. Other areas had been transformed into vesicles indicating that the membranes of these vesicles appeared to have been derived from the detachment of both the intraperiod and main period bands within the myelin. Evidence is presented for the presence of trypsin digestable proteins in both the main period and intraperiod bands of peripheral nervous system myelin.
Integrated satellite observations of the 2001 eruption of Mt. Cleveland, Alaska

Abstract Satellite data were the primary source of information for the eruption of Mt. Cleveland, Alaska on 19 February, and 11 and 19 March 2001. Multiple data sets were used pre-, syn- and post-eruption to mitigate the hazard and determine an eruption chronology. The 19 February eruption was the largest of the three, resulting in a volcanic cloud that formed an arc over 1000 km long, moved to the NE across Alaska and was tracked using satellite data over more than a 50-h period. The volcanic cloud was “concurrently” detected on the GOES, AVHRR and MODIS data at various times and their respective signals compared. All three sensors detected a cloud that had a very similar shape and position but there were differences in their areal extent and internal structural detail. GOES data showed the largest volcanic cloud in terms of area, probably due to its oblique geometry. MODIS bands 31 and 32, which are comparable to GOES and AVHRR thermal infrared wavelengths, were the least effective single channels at detecting the volcanic cloud of those investigated (MODIS bands 28, 29, 31 and 32). MODIS bands 28 and 29 detected the largest volcanic clouds that could easily be distinguished from weather clouds. Of the split-window data, MODIS bands 29 minus band 32 detected the largest cloud, but the band 31 minus band 32 data showed the volcanic cloud with the most internal structural detail. The Puff tracking model accurately tracked the movement, and predicted the extent and shape of this complex cloud even into areas beyond satellite detection. Numerous thermal anomalies were also observed during the eruption on the twice-daily AVHRR data and the high spatial-resolution Landsat data. The high-resolution Radarsat data showed that the AVHRR thermal anomalies were due to lava and debris flow features and a newly formed fan along the west coast of the island. Field observations and images from a hand-held Forward Looking Infrared Radiometer (FLIR) showed that the flow features were ′a′a lava, debris flows and a warm debris fan along the west coast. Real-time satellite data were the primary tool used to monitor the eruption, track changes and to mitigate hazards. High-resolution data, even though coverage is infrequent, were critical in helping to identify volcanic processes and to compile an eruption chronology.
The effect of uni-axial orientation on macroporous membrane structure

The effect of uni-axial stretching on the material properties of macroporous poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes was experimentally determined. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and digital image analysis were used to characterize physical structure of the membrane before and after stretching. The effects of strain rate, temperature, and total strain on pore aspect ratio, pore area, surface roughness, glass transition temperature, porosity, and membrane thickness were all examined in this study. Membrane stretching was found to dramatically change the pore structure of PVDF membranes, but was found to have little effect on polymeric properties such as glass transition temperature. Current popular AFM characterization techniques were unable to capture the physical changes in the surface morphology.
Regional brain uptake of the muscarinic ligand, [18F]FP-TZTP, is greatly decreased in M2 receptor knockout mice but not in M1, M3 and M4 receptor knockout mice

A muscarinic receptor radioligand, 3-(3-(3-fluoropropyl)thio) -1,2,5,thiadiazol-4-yl)-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1-methylpyridine (fP-TZTP) radiolabeled with the positron emitting radionuclide 18F ([18F]FP-TZTP) displayed regional brain distribution consistent with M2 receptor densities in rat brain. The purpose of the present study is to further elucidate the subtype selectivity of [18F]FP-TZTP using genetically engineered mice which lacked functional M1, M2, M3, or M4 muscarinic receptors. Using ex vivo autoradiography, the regional brain localization of [18F]FP-TZTP in M2 knockout (M2 KO) was significantly decreased (51.3 to 61.4%; P<0.01) when compared to the wild-type (WT) mice in amygdala, brain stem, caudate putamen, cerebellum, cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, superior colliculus, and thalamus. In similar studies with M1KO, M3KO and M4KO compared to their WT mice, [18F]FP-TZTP uptakes in the same brain regions were not significantly decreased at P<0.01. However, in amygdala and hippocampus small decreases of 19.5% and 22.7%, respectively, were observed for M1KO vs WT mice at P<0.05. Given the fact that large decreases in [18F]FP-TZTP brain uptakes were seen only in M2 KO vs. WT mice, we conclude that [18F]FP-TZTP preferentially labels M2 receptors in vivo.
Virtual reality interfaces using Tweek

Developers of virtual environments often face a difficult problem: users must have some way to interact with the virtual world. The application developers must determine how to map available inputs (buttons, gestures, etc.) to actions within the virtual environment (VE). As a result, user interfaces may be limited by the input hardware available with a given virtual reality (VR) system.
How certain formal reasoning problems are solved

An earlier analysis of how certain concept-formation tasks are solved is discussed here in relation to formally identical problems involving light switches. For these switch tasks, the relationship between the variables and outcome is different from that in ordinary concept-formation tasks. That is, the relationship is not purely arbitrary; moving a switch could be the physical “cause” for the light. The order of difficulty of all-negative and all-positive sequences of instances was reversed for these switch problems; all-positive sequences, ordinarily easiest, proved the most difficult of all. This finding supports the proposed analysis of the problem-solving process. It is also shown that this strategy is routinized and inflexibly applied to a particular type of problem.
Monsoonal forcing of calcification in the Arabian Sea

Abstract This paper summarizes our results on the changes in pelagic calcification and the standing stock of calcium carbonate associated with the SW Monsoon and NE Monsoon (cruises TN049 and TN053 of the U.S. JGOFS study, respectively) in the northern portion of the Arabian Sea. Mean calcification was ∼3X greater during the SW Monsoon than during the NE Monsoon. Calcification per coccolithophore was 7–10X higher, and the ratio of calcification to photosynthesis (C/P) was 40–45% higher during the SW Monsoon. The turnover time of PIC was not statistically different between the two cruises (∼4.5 d averaged over the euphotic zone). Turnover time of POC increased significantly between TN049 and TN053 (from ∼3 to 6 d over the euphotic zone). We discuss vertical sections of coccolithophore abundance, carbon standing stocks and carbon fixation. Coccolithophore calcification was usually about 1–5% of community photosynthesis. The ratio of calcification to photosynthesis spanned almost 2 orders of magnitude, and was not significantly different from the ratio of the PIC and POC standing stocks. We compare surface PIC and POC production rates to sediment trap fluxes from the same region.