cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plant Chromosomal Deletions, Insertions, and Rearrangements

With the exception of a small subset found within mitochondria and chloroplasts, the genes of plants are arranged along an essential set of chromosomes that are found in the nucleus. Within a species, the placement of genes along the chromosomes is expected to be the same in all individuals. This chapter is a primer on several major aberrations of gene order. These aberrations have consequences not only to the individual that harbors them but also to the population at large in terms of genome evolution. Here, we limit our discussion mainly to the effects on the individual. We are particularly interested in the use of these aberrations as experimental tools and include some discussions to that effect.
What is supply chain management (SCM)

This chapter presents a discussion of supply chain management (SCM). SCM is the optimized operation of the supply chain. It requires someone who can optimize the resources while interacting with the forces that cause pressures against the supply chain. SCM requires someone who can develop a strategic plan for continuous optimization and improvement. It requires a supply chain manager who can (1) identify the critical resources that move through the supply chain, (2) identify the forces that come into play and affect the performance of these resources, and (3) use various pieces of information to develop goals, objectives, and a strategy around which the flow of the supply chain is optimized. A world-class SCM manager views the future as an opportunity. For this manager, the here-and-now approach is adequate for the past but not good enough for the future. He or she views all aspects of an enterprise—systems, production philosophies, and even management styles that were in existence 20 to 30 years ago—wholly deficient for today and especially inadequate for the future. The chapter concludes with a discussion of various types of managers, such as sunrise and sunset managers; Theory-X, Theory-Y, and Theory-Z managers; and cash, crisis, cool, conflict, and change managers.
Ultrasound evaluation of saphenous vein for peripheral intravenous cannulation in adults.

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate variables that may affect sonographic cannulation of great saphenous vein and determine the ideal location for ultrasound-guided saphenous v...
Shock in the multiple-injury patient.

Shock is a physiologic state due to a variety of causes. These causes must be identified and therapy directed accordingly. The conditions resulting from or perpetuating shock must also be corrected before a successful outcome can be anticipated.
The Neonatal CD4+ T Cell Response to a Single Epitope Varies in Genetically Identical Mice

Neonatal infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Increased susceptibility to infection in the neonate is attributed in part to defects in T cell-mediated immunity. A peptide:MHC class II tetramer-based cell enrichment method was used to test this hypothesis at the level of a single epitope. We found that naive T cells with TCRs specific for the 2W:I-A(b) epitope were present in the thymuses of 1-d-old CD57BL/6 mice but were barely detectable in the spleen, likely because each mouse contained very few total splenic CD4(+) T cells. By day 7 of life, however, the total number of splenic CD4(+) T cells increased dramatically and the frequency of 2W:I-A(b)-specific naive T cells reached that of adult mice. Injection of 2W peptide in CFA into 1-d-old mice generated a 2W:I-A(b)-specific effector cell population that peaked later than in adult mice and showed more animal-to-animal variation. Similarly, 2W:I-A(b)-specific naive T cells in different neonatal mice varied significantly in generation of Th1, Th2, and follicular Th cells compared with adult mice. These results suggest that delayed effector cell expansion and stochastic variability in effector cell generation due to an initially small naive repertoire contribute to defective peptide:MHC class II-specific immunity in neonates.
Fluorescence Spectral Properties of 2,5-Diphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole with Two-Color Two-Photon Excitation

We observed fluorescence emission from 2,5-diphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (PPD) resulting from two-photon excitation with two different wavelengths near 380 and 760 nm. For this two-color two-photon (2C2P) excitation the emission spectra and intensity decays were the same as observed with single-photon excitation with an equivalent energy at 250 nm. The two-color two-photon-induced emission was observed when the PPD sample was illuminated with both wavelengths, but only when the picosecond laser pulses were spatially and temporally overlapped. The signal was about 70-fold and 1000-fold less for illumination at 380 or 760 nm alone, respectively. When illuminated with both wavelengths, the emission intensity of PPD depended quadratically on the total illumination power, when both beams were simultaneously attenuated to the same extent, indicating two-photon excitation. When the intensity at one wavelength was attenuated, the signal depended linearly on the power at each wavelength, indicating the participation o...
Statistical model selection criteria

Abstract Within the context of conventional model selection criteria and a normal linear statistical model, questions are pursued which relate to (i) the statistical implications of using model selection criteria in the pure noise case, (ii) the asymptotic properties of alternative variable selection procedures and (iii) an abbreviated computational solution.
Establishing the role of empirical studies of organizational justice in philosophical inquiries into business ethics

The present article attempts to evaluate various tenets of moral philosophy by reviewing empirical data from the field of organizational justice bearing on: (a) people's concerns about fairness in organizations, and (b) the consequences of following or not following rules of justice. With respect to concerns about fairness in organizations, utilitarian claims that people believe that fairness requires distributions of reward based on merit were assessed. Similarly, evidence was reviewed bearing on the claim of psychological egoists that judgments of fairness reflect a self-interested bias. Finally, Kant's view that people should never lie was evaluated in light of evidence describing people's actual attitudes toward lying. In all three cases, the underlying philosophical premises were concluded to be overly simplistic in view of complexities about human nature revealed in empirical research. In addition, evidence was reviewed that shed light on the teleological claims of utilitarians regarding the purported benefits of following two common organizational practices — using merit-based pay, and punishing harmdoers. Here, too, the empirical evidence (findings that these techniques do not consistently yield the greatest good for the greatest number) suggests that the premise underlying utilitarian thought is based on unfounded, overly simplistic assumptions about the effects of following various allegedly moral ideas. It is concluded that our analyses provide a useful first step toward the desired goal of business ethicists of integrating prescriptive and descriptive approaches to justice.
Novel design to integrate tissue engineered cartilage to native bone using hydroxyapatite nanoparticles

Nanomaterial layer plays a vital role in forming the biological interface between the host and tissue engineered constructs. Size may change the potential interfacial strength of the construct. For the potential treatment of osteoarthritis in the knee, cartilage has been engineered using photopolymerizable, hydrogel-based scaffolding approaches; however there remains a need for enhanced anchorage of the engineered tissue to the underlying subchondral bone. Previous studies have taken approaches based on the principles of mechanical fixation, protein biochemistry and polymer science in order to form novel strategies of integration but have demonstrated limited success in terms of hydrogel retention within the defect space. In this paper, we have demonstrated the integration of a tissue engineered model with the native tissue with the help of a thin layer of bio ceramic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles between the host tissue and the tissue engineered construct.
Cathode position response of large-area photomultipliers under a magnetic field

Abstract With the increasingly common use of large area PMTs (photomultiplier tubes) for nuclear and particle physics experiments, information on the position dependent magnetic field effects across the PMT's photocathode is important to effectively analyze and understand data collected from PMTs. Using an automated two-dimensional scanner, we have measured the PMT response to an external magnetic field as a function of the cathode position impinged by a collimated light source. This study shows a clear dependence on the cathode position in both collection efficiency and gain of the PMT in the presence of a magnetic field. In particular, a pronounced valley in the collection efficiency is observed for certain locations of the cathode when the magnetic field is transverse to the PMT axis. The pattern of the position dependence is presented for several different magnitudes and orientations of the magnetic field relative to the PMT.
The Western Wheatgrass Chloroplast Genome Originates in Pseudoroegneria

The octoploid Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) A. Love (StHNsXm) arose from hybridization among four diploid genera, three of which are known from genome analysis, but the diploid origin of the Pascopyrum chloroplast genome remains unknown. Identification of the maternal parents in the hybridizations leading to Pascopyrum will guide efforts to reconstruct allopolyploid germplasm from ancestral taxa. We compared the DNA sequences of a 762-base pair (bp) segment of the ndhF (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit F) chloroplast gene of western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii; StHNsXm) with that of its putative allotetraploid, i.e., Elymus (StH) and Leymus (NsXm), and diploid, i.e., Pseudoroegneria (St), Hordeum (H), Psathyrostachys (Ns), ancestors. To ascertain the 2x to 8x chloroplast phylogeny, the gene sequences were aligned and a phylogenetic tree was constructed by the neighbor-joining method. Pascopyrum smithii differed by 0 to 2 and 6 to 9 bp from its two 4x ancestors, Elymus and Leymus, respectively. Elymus differed by 2 and 10 to 13 bp from its two 2x ancestors, Pseudoroegneria and Hordeum, respectively. Pascopyrum, Elymus, and Pseudoroegneria taxa clustered together, but separately from Leymus and Hordeum taxa. The Pascopyrum chloroplast genome appears to have originated from the diploid Pseudoroegneria through the tetraploid Elymus. De novo synthesis of Pascopyrum germplasm from its tetraploid ancestors should be conducted with cognizance of the preference for Pseudoroegneria cytoplasm found in nature. Leymus differed from its diploid ancestor, Psathyrostachys, by 14 to 15 bp, indicating that the second unknown diploid ancestor of Leymus may have contributed its chloroplast DNA.
Notch Signaling in T-Cell Development and T-ALL

The Notch signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved cell signaling system present in most multicellular organisms, as it controls cell fate specification by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and survival. Regulation of the Notch signaling pathway can be achieved at multiple levels. Notch proteins are involved in lineage fate decisions in a variety of tissues in various species. Notch is essential for T lineage cell differentiation including T versus B and αβ versus γδ lineage specification. In this paper, we discuss Notch signaling in normal T-cell maturation and differentiation as well as in T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia.
Stoichiometry and coacervation of complexes formed between polyelectrolytes and mixed micelles

Abstract Turbidimetry was used to investigate the association of mixed anionic—nonionic micelles with a strong polyelectrolyte in dilute aqueous solutions of high ionic strength. The state of aggregation was found to depend primarily on the ionic strength, I , and the mole fraction of anionic surfactant (basis total surfactant), Y . At critical conditions for I and Y , a pseudo phase transition to soluble polyion—micelle aggregates takes place. The size and number of these aggregates appears to vary reversibly with change in Y . Farther from this phase boundary (e.g., at larger Y ), macroscopic phase transitions are observed. One of these involves the formation of a second liquid phase rich in polymer and surfactant; this coacervation takes place only when the ratio of polymer:surfactant concentrations lies within certain bounds. Regardless of stoichiometry, a continued increase in Y ultimately leads to irreversible precipitation of an amorphous solid. The observed phase transitions are discussed in terms of strong attractive intermacromolecular coulombic forces.
Effect of moisture regime on recovery and utilization of fertilizer n applied to corn

Abstract Environmental and economic concerns have resulted in renewed interest in the potential for N loss under various climatic conditions. Experiments were conducted over a three‐year period at three locations in Illinois to evaluate the effects of soil type and soil moisture conditions on the fate of fertilizer N during the growing season. At each location, a factorial arrangement of four N rates (0, 100, 150, and 200 lb N/acre) and three soil moisture levels (ambient, ambient + 4 in. over a 3‐d period, and ambient + 6 in. over an 8‐d period) was established with com (Zea mays L.). Isotopic 15N was used for the 150 lb N/acre plots. After the moisture treatments had been imposed, moisture levels were allowed to return to conditions drier than 0.33 bar and plots were split with one half receiving a supplemental application of 50 lb N/acre. Regression equations relating total recovered N and plant N uptake to soil moisture condition and N application were developed for each site. Fertilizer N recovery on...
Highly sensitive surface plasmon resonance chemical sensor based on Goos-Hanchen effects

The resonance enhanced Goos-Hanchen shifts at attenuated total internal reflection enables the possibility for highly sensitive surface plasmon resonance sensor. The observed giant displacements result from the singular phase retardation at the resonance where the phase is continuous but changes dramatically. The phenomenon is proposed for chemical sensing and the superior sensitivity is demonstrated.
Electronic phase transition and partially gapped Fermi surface in superconducting Lu 5 Ir 4 Si 10

The enhancement of the superconducting transition temperature of ${\mathrm{Lu}}_{5}$${\mathrm{Ir}}_{4}$${\mathrm{Si}}_{10}$ from 3.8 to 9.1 K under pressure is caused by the suppression of an electronic phase transition which results in the partial gapping of the Fermi surface. Using electrical resistivity at ambient and high pressure, bulk-modulus, heat-capacity, upper-critical-magnetic-field, and static-magnetic-susceptibility measurements, we estimate that the density of electronic states at the Fermi level is reduced by 36% due to this phase transition. The transition, which occurs at 79 K at ambient pressure, has the experimental characteristics indicative of charge- or spin-density-wave formation.
Renal Patients and their MMPI Profiles

Three groups of patients on renal dialysis, largely veterans in VA Hospitals, were, by means of MMPI profiles, compared with one another, with a group of predialysis renal patients, one third of whom were veterans, and with Mayo Clinic general medical patients. There was remarkable similarity between the mean profiles of the renal patients, which reflected in Caldwell's view, a profound fear of death and of helplessness, and a sense of catastrophic loss of bodily functions--greater than that found in general medical patients. Data suggest that the East Orange renal dialysis group (N = 77), older, more variable, and longer on dialysis, manifested a greater sense of personal distress than was found in the other renal groups.
The southern California twin register at the university of southern California: III

The Southern California Twin Register at the University of Southern California (USC) was initiated in 1984 and continues to provide an important resource for studies investigating genetic and environmental influences on human behavior. This article provides an update on the current register and its potential for future twin studies using recruitment through school district databases and voter records. An overview is also provided for an ongoing longitudinal twin study investigating the development of externalizing psychopathology from childhood to young adulthood, the USC Study of Risk Factors for Antisocial Behavior. Characteristics of the twins and their families are presented, including recruitment and participation rates, as well as attrition analyses and a summary of key findings to date.
Investigating the Use of Vicarious and Mastery Experiences in Influencing Early Childhood Education Majors’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs

This study investigated the effectiveness of an Early Childhood Education science methods course that focused exclusively on providing various mastery (i.e., enactive, cognitive content, and cognitive pedagogical) and vicarious experiences (i.e., cognitive self-modeling, symbolic modeling, and simulated modeling) in increasing preservice elementary teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs. Forty-four preservice elementary teachers participated in the study. Analysis of the quantitative (STEBI-b) and qualitative (informal surveys) data revealed that personal science teaching efficacy and science teaching outcome expectancy beliefs increased significantly over the semester. Enactive mastery, cognitive pedagogical mastery, symbolic modeling, and cognitive self-modeling were the major sources of self-efficacy. This list was followed by cognitive content mastery and simulated modeling. This study has implications for science teacher educators.
Simulations of solid-liquid friction at ice-Ih/water interfaces

We have investigated the structural and dynamic properties of the basal and prismatic facets of the ice Ih/water interface when the solid phase is drawn through the liquid (i.e., sheared relative to the fluid phase). To impose the shear, we utilized a velocity-shearing and scaling approach to reverse non-equilibrium molecular dynamics. This method can create simultaneous temperature and velocity gradients and allow the measurement of transport properties at interfaces. The interfacial width was found to be independent of the relative velocity of the ice and liquid layers over a wide range of shear rates. Decays of molecular orientational time correlation functions gave similar estimates for the width of the interfaces, although the short- and longer-time decay components behave differently closer to the interface. Although both facets of ice are in “stick” boundary conditions in liquid water, the solid-liquid friction coefficients were found to be significantly different for the basal and prismatic facets of ice.
Features of "near-death experience" in relation to whether or not patients were near death

The medical records of 58 patients, most of whom believed they were near death during an illness or after an injury and all of whom later remembered unusual experiences occurring at the time, were examined. 28 patients were judged to have been so close to death that they would have died without medical intervention; the other 30 patients were not in danger of dying although most of them thought they were. Patients of both groups reported closely similar experiences but patients who really were close to death were more likely than those who were not to report an enhanced perception of light and enhanced cognitive powers. The claim of enhancement of cognitive functions despite the likelihood that brain function had probably become disturbed and possibly diminished, deserves further investigation.
Towards an understanding of the role of experience in the evolution from novice to expert

Abstract Two major factors seem to distinguish novices from experts. First, experts generally know more about their domain. Second, experts are better than novices at applying and using that knowledge effectively. Within AI, the traditional approach to expertise has concentrated on the first difference. Thus, “expert systems” research has revolved around extracting the rules experts use and developing problem solving methodologies for dealing with those rules. Unlike these systems, human experts are able to introspect about their knowledge and learn from past experience. It is this view of expertise, based on the second distinguishing feature above, that we are exploring. Such a view requires a reasoning model based on organization of experience in a long-term memory, and incremental learning and refinement of both reasoning processes and domain knowledge. This paper will present the basis for this view, the reasoning model it implies, and a computer program which begins to implement the theory. The program, called SHRINK, models psychiatrie diagnosis and treatment.
Movie exposure to alcohol cues and adolescent alcohol problems: A longitudinal analysis in a national sample

The authors tested a theoretical model of how exposure to alcohol cues in movies predicts level of alcohol use (ever use plus ever and recent binge drinking) and alcohol-related problems. A national sample of younger adolescents was interviewed by telephone with 4 repeated assessments spaced at 8-month intervals. A structural equation modeling analysis performed for ever-drinkers at Time 3 (N = 961) indicated that, controlling for a number of covariates, movie alcohol exposure at Time 1 was related to increases in peer alcohol use and adolescent alcohol use at Time 2. Movie exposure had indirect effects to alcohol use and problems at Times 3 and 4 through these pathways, with direct effects to problems from Time 1 rebelliousness and Time 2 movie exposure also found. Prospective risk-promoting effects were also found for alcohol expectancies, peer alcohol use, and availability of alcohol in the home; protective effects were found for mother's responsiveness and for adolescent's school performance and self-control. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Language: en
A controlled, prospective study of the effects of atorvastatin on proteinuria and progression of kidney disease

Abstract Background: Chronic kidney diseases, particularly if presenting with significant proteinuria, are commonly associated with substantial alteration of serum lipid levels. Experimental evidence suggests that lipid abnormalities may contribute to the progression of kidney disease. However, studies in humans on the subject are scarce. Methods: In a prospective, controlled open-label study, the authors have evaluated the effects of one-year treatment with atorvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methyglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, versus no treatment on proteinuria and progression of kidney disease in 56 patients with chronic kidney disease. Before randomization, all patients had already been treated for one year with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin AT 1 receptor antagonists (ARBs) and other antihypertensive drugs. Results: By the end of one-year treatment, urine protein excretion decreased from 2.2 ± 0.1 to 1.2 ± 1.0 g every 24 hours ( P P value not significant) in patients who did not receive atorvastatin in addition to ACE inhibitor or ARBs. During this time, creatinine clearance decreased only slightly and not significantly (from 51 ± 1.8 to 49.8 ± 1.7) in patients treated with atorvastatin. By contrast, during the same period of observation, creatinine clearance decreased from 50 ± 1.9 to 44.2 ± 1.6 mL/min ( P Conclusions: This study has shown that treatment with atorvastatin in addition to a regimen with ACE inhibitors or ARBs may reduce proteinuria and the rate of progression of kidney disease in patients with chronic kidney disease, proteinuria, and hypercholesterolemia. The benefits appear to occur in addition to those of treatment with ACE inhibitor and ARBs. Am J Kidney Dis 41:565-570. © 2003 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Evaluating Risk of Extreme Events for Univariate‐Loss Functions

There are many situations in water‐resources systems in which the statistics of extremes plays a decisive role. This paper investigates the characteristics of extreme values for a strictly monotonic increasing‐loss function, Y=g(X;), where X is an underlying‐random variable whose exact form of probability distribution is unknown. The results are of wide application in water‐planning and management problems. For example, the results are useful in studying the extremal‐flood‐loss function when full knowledge of the flood discharge is not available. A methodology is developed for analyzing the extreme tail of the distribution of loss. Using von Mises' convergence criteria, sufficient conditions are derived to determine the asymptotic distribution of the largest value from realizations of Y. Expressions are also given for determining the associated parameters of this distribution. These results are combined to evaluate the expected value and variance of the largest‐sample value of Y. Two illustrative examples...
A New Phenomenon in Impulsive-Flare-Associated Energetic Particles

We present ACE/ULEIS and Wind/STEP observations of a new and unusual feature of energetic ions between 0.02 and 3 MeV nucleon-1 associated with impulsive solar flares. In addition to the usual velocity dispersion associated with the transit in the heliospheric magnetic field of energetic particles from a small localized source on the Sun, these events also show intermittent behavior that may be related to the magnetic flux tube structure of the solar wind. These are anomalous bursts of low-energy particles, which we call "tassels." Tassels are enhancements of ions extending to much lower energies than those associated with the main event. In one year of data from 2000 June to 2001 July, we have identified two events with tassels, both of which occur simultaneously with interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs). The tassels may be a superposition of two events, either gradual and impulsive or two impulsive events. Since the tassels could be interpreted as ions arriving earlier than those with the same energy in the main velocity dispersion, we suggest that the tassels occur when the spacecraft intercepts a flux tube with a relatively shorter path length. The decrease in path length may be caused by a decrease in scattering or a shorter travel distance, since flux tubes may be distorted by the passage of the ICME. These tassel events may allow us to infer some of the structure of the ICME.
Laser Raman scattering and preresonance in Co(III)-ATP complexes

Interactions of cobalt(III) ion with adenosine-5′-triphosphate in the presence of 1,10-phenanthroline and superoxide were studied by laser Raman spectroscopy. Striking intensity enhancement of two adenine ring vibrations at 734 and 1430 cm−1 was observed upon formation of the complex Co(III)-(phen)-ATP-O2−. The effect could be abolished by addition of cyanide ion to replace the superoxide ion. The spectral features were interpreted as indicating a direct binding of Co(III) to the C6-NH2 group of adenine. The interaction between Co(III) and 1,10-phenanthroline was manifested in the frequency and intensity changes near 436 and 1064 cm−1. Raman intensities at 734, 1312, 1055 and 1430 cm−1 were measured as a function of laser exciting wavelength. The gradual changes in Raman excitation profiles of ATP lines from 647.1 nm to 457.9 nm indicated the preresonance effect with a charge transfer transition between adenine and Co(III), which may lie between 300 and 400 nm as evidenced by the more dramatic enhancement of these lines with 406.7 nm excitation.
Intracisternal Antisense Oligonucleotide to Growth Associated Protein-43 Blocks the Recovery-Promoting Effects of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor after Focal Stroke

Focal infarction (stroke) of the lateral cerebral cortex of rats (including the sensorimotor cortex) produces deficits in sensorimotor function of the contralateral limbs that recover partially over time. In previous studies, we found that the intracisternal injection of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a potent neurotrophic growth factor, starting at 1 day after stroke, significantly enhanced recovery of sensorimotor function of the contralateral forelimb and hindlimb. Moreover, immunoreactivity (IR) for growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43), a molecular marker of new axonal growth, was increased in the intact contralateral sensorimotor cortex following bFGF treatment. In the current study, we found that the intracisternal administration of antisense, but not missense, oligonucleotide to GAP-43 blocked the recovery-enhancing effects of bFGF and blocked the increase in GAP-43 IR in the contralateral cortex. These results suggest that upregulation of GAP-43 expression and consequent enhanced axonal sprouting in intact uninjured parts of the brain are likely mechanisms for the recovery-promoting effects of bFGF.
Incidence and remission of habitual snoring over a 5- to 6-year period.

Habitual snoring is associated with an increased prevalence of hypertension, stroke, and ischemic heart disease. To determine factors that influence the incidence and remission of habitual snoring, we analyzed responses to successive self-administered questionnaires with questions pertaining to snoring in a group of subjects participating in the Tucson Epidemiologic Study of Obstructive Airways Disease. In this study, 1,476 subjects were surveyed 5.8 ± 0.6 (SD) years apart. Among subjects who habitually snored on the initial survey, 58.2% snored persistently and 35.5% remitted on the ensuing survey. Among subjects who did not habitually snore in the initial survey, 10.5% developed it on the subsequent survey. In further analyses, we found that male sex, obesity, and respiratory symptoms were significant independent risk factors for development of habitual snoring. Age over 65 years, the absence of obesity, and the absence of respiratory symptoms were associated with remission of habitual snoring.
Fast isotopic exchange between mitochondria and cytosol in brain revealed by relayed 13C magnetization transfer spectroscopy

In vivo 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been applied to studying brain metabolic processes by measuring 13C label incorporation into cytosolic pools such as glutamate and aspartate. However, the rate of exchange between mitochondrial α-ketoglutarate/oxaloacetate and cytosolic glutamate/aspartate (Vx) extracted from metabolic modeling has been controversial. Because brain fumarase is exclusively located in the mitochondria, and mitochondrial fumarate is connected to cytosolic aspartate through a chain of fast exchange reactions, it is possible to directly measure Vx from the four-carbon side of the tricarboxylic acid cycle by magnetization transfer. In isoflurane-anesthetized adult rat brain, a relayed 13C magnetization transfer effect on cytosolic aspartate C2 at 53.2 ppm was detected after extensive signal averaging with fumarate C2 at 136.1 ppm irradiated using selective radiofrequency pulses. Quantitative analysis using Bloch–McConnell equations and a four-site exchange model found that Vx≈13–19 μmol per g per min (VTCA, the tricarboxylic acid cycle rate) when the longitudinal relaxation time of malate C2 was assumed to be within ±33% of that of aspartate C2. If Vx≈VTCA, the isotopic exchange between mitochondria and cytosol would be too slow on the time scale of 13C longitudinal relaxation to cause a detectable magnetization transfer effect.
Ultradian rhythms in the perception of the spiral aftereffect

Young adults were tested on the spiral aftereffect (SAE) for 8-h periods during the day and night. Using time series analyses, prominent cyclicity components in the perception of the illusion were revealed, with periodicities of the SAE the same order of magnitude as the REM-nonREM cycle. It appeared that the duration of the SAE could be used as a sensitive behavioral index of the basic rest-activity cycle.
Double k-sets in symplectic generalized quadrangles

In classical projective geometry, a double six of lines consists of 12 lines l 1, l 2, . . . , l 6, m 1, m 2, . . . , m 6 such that the l i are pairwise skew, the m i are pairwise skew, and l i meets m j if and only if i ? j. In the 1960s Hirschfeld studied this configuration in finite projective spaces PG(3, q) showing they exist for almost all values of q, with a couple of exceptions when q is too small. We will be considering double-k sets in the symplectic geometry W(q), which is constructed from PG(3, q) using an alternating bilinear form. This geometry is an example of a generalized quadrangle, which means it has the nice property that if we take any line l and any point P not on l, then there is exactly one line through P meeting l. We will discuss all of this in detail, including all of the basic definitions needed to understand the problem, and give a result classifying which values of k and q allow us to construct a double k-set of lines in W(q).
EFFECT OF FOOD INTAKE ON THE METABOLIC CLEARANCE RATE OF ALDOSTERONE

The effect of eating on the metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of aldosterone was investigated in 10 adult individuals. 3H-aldosterone was infused continuously over a period of 5 h while the subjects remained supine. Three h after the start of the infusion, each subject ate a bowl of soup. The MCR of aldosterone, before and after the intake of food, was calculated by dividing the rate of infusion of 3H-aldosterone by the mean concentration of under the same conditions but without eating. The MCR of aldosterone (mean +/- 1 SD) was 1284 +/- 513 L/24 h before food intake and 2182 +/- 180 L/24 h after food intake in the 10 individuals who ate. The MCR in the 11 subjects who did not eat was 1363 +/- 446 and 1357 +/- 434 during the same periods (p greater than 0.05). The 29% increase in the MCR induced by eating was highly significant (p less than 0.001); it was similar in magnitude and duration to a previously reported effect of food intake on the hepatic blood flow (13).
The placental‐subplacental complex: A specific indicator of placental position on ultrasound

Subplacental tissue frequently appears as a less echogenic zone adjacent to the more echogenic parenchymal texture of the placenta on gray-scale sonograms. This complex of parenchymal structures is useful in specifically localizing placental position and extent, especially in posteriorly positioned placentas, which may be shadowed by the fetus, or in cases in which focally thickened portions of the myometrium or reverberation artifact may simulate the placenta.
Fold prediction and evolutionary analysis of the POZ domain: structural and evolutionary relationship with the potassium channel tetramerization domain.

Using iterative database searches, a statistically significant sequence similarity was detected between the POZ (poxvirus and zinc finger) domains found in a variety of proteins involved in animal transcription regulation, cytoskeleton organization, and development, and the tetramerization domain of animal potassium channels. Using the crystal structure of the Aplysia Shaker channel tetramerization domain as a template, the common structure of the POZ domain class was predicted. Examination of the structure resulted in the identification of several structural features and specific amino acid residues that may be involved in conserved protein-protein interactions mediated by the POZ domains as well as those that may contribute to the specificity of these interactions. Phylogenetic analysis of the POZ domains suggests that the common ancestor of the crown group eukaryotes already possessed this domain; POZ domains have undergone independent expansion in plants and in different animal lineages.
Surgical management of primary bladder diverticula in children.

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to review the authors' surgical experience with primary bladder diverticula in the pediatric population, with special attention to associated urinary tract infections and voiding dysfunction. Methods A retrospective review yielded 21 pediatric patients with primary bladder diverticula treated surgically over a 13-year span. Patients with secondary diverticula were excluded. Charts were reviewed and patients were contacted in regards to several factors. Diverticula were diagnosed preoperatively by radiography on a voiding cystourethrogram. Diverticula, which were only found intraoperatively and not on VCUG, were not included in the study. Results Mean age at presentation was 8.16 years (range of 0.17-12.91 years). The sex predominance was male, 17 (81%) of 21. Mean follow-up was 44.2 months (range of 6-156 months). The diverticula were associated with ureters requiring reimplantation in 15 of 21 patients (72.4%); only 6 (28.6%) of 21 were isolated diverticula. Nineteen (90.5%) of 21 patients presented with infections, and all 19 (100%) have had complete resolution of infections. Of the total, a subset of 6 patients with isolated diverticula and no evidence of reflux had total resolution of their infections. Twelve patients presented with voiding dysfunction. Eight of these 12 patients had improvement of their voiding dysfunction with complete resolution in 2 patients. Conclusions In this series, infections were eliminated with surgical excision of the primary diverticula. Surgical repair was also associated with improvement of voiding dysfunction.
Retroactive effects of topical applications of potassium chloride, pentylenetetrazol, and strychnine on the acquisition of a maze habit in rats

Rats were administered topical applications of potassium chloride (KCl), pentylenetetrazol, strychnine, or saline immediately following each of 10 daily trials to food reward in a 6-unit multiple-U maze. The pentylenetetrazol Ss showed facilitation and were the only group to differ from the saline controls in total errors.
Costs of Lactation and Optimal Litter Size in Northern Grasshopper Mice (Onychomys leucogaster)

A mother's lifetime reproductive success depends on the number and quality of young produced in each reproductive event and the number of such events over her lifetime. However, excessive cost of a larger litter may reduce a mother's future reproductive potential or result in smaller-than-normal young at weaning. Because lactation is the most energetically demanding segment of reproduction in mammals, assessment of its cost provides an accurate gauge of short-term reproductive investment. If high proximate reproductive costs are correlated with decreases in lifetime reproductive potential or fitness, understanding the tradeoffs between costs and benefits of lactation for different-sized litters should lead to a better understanding of mammalian reproductive patterns. In the present study, body mass of young and food intake as measures of maternal investment were measured daily in 43 litters of captive northern grasshopper mice ( Onychomys leucogaster ) to day 16. Litter sizes ranged from one to six with a mean of 3.4 young. Food intake for a litter of one was 155% of mean nonreproductive requirements, whereas cost for a litter of six was 293%. Relative to litter size, both total cost of lactation and total litter mass increased by day 16, whereas mean size of offspring decreased. The relationship between cost per offspring and offspring size relative to litter size showed that a litter of four is most efficient in terms of benefit per unit cost. If the best maternal strategy is to maximize both the size and number of offspring weaned while simultaneously minimizing costs of reproduction, the optimum litter size is the one that yields the largest offspring per unit cost. In grasshopper mice, this optimum is four.
Hippocampal Volume and Memory Performance in Children With Perinatal Stroke

Abstract Background Pediatric neurologists and neonatologists often are asked to predict cognitive outcome after perinatal brain injury (including likely memory and learning outcomes). However, relatively few data exist on how accurate predictions can be made. Furthermore, although the consequences of brain injury on hippocampal volume and memory performance have been studied extensively in adults, little work has been done in children. Methods We measured the volume of the hippocampus in 27 children with perinatal stroke and 19 controls, and measured their performance on standardized verbal and non-verbal memory tests. Results We discovered the following: (1) As a group, children with perinatal stroke had smaller left and right hippocampi compared with control children. (2) Individually, children with perinatal stroke demonstrated 1 of 3 findings: no hippocampal loss, unilateral hippocampal loss, or bilateral hippocampal volume loss compared with control children. (3) Hippocampal volume inversely correlated with memory test performance in the perinatal stroke group, with smaller left and right hippocampal volumes related to poorer verbal and non-verbal memory test performance, respectively. (4) Seizures played a significant role in determining memory deficit and extent of hippocampal volume reduction in patients with perinatal stroke. Conclusions These findings support the view that, in the developing brain, the left and right hippocampi preferentially support verbal and nonverbal memory respectively, a consistent finding in the adult literature but a subject of debate in the pediatric literature. This is the first work to report that children with focal brain injury incurred from perinatal stroke have volume reduction in the hippocampus and impairments in certain aspects of declarative memory.
Some results concerning linear iterative (systolic) arrays

Abstract Characterizations of various types of linear iterative (systolic) arrays in terms of single processor sequential machines are given. Using these characterizations, new or improved results concerning the properties, power, and limitations of the different linear array models are proved. For example, a speed-up theorem is proved that is stronger than what has previously appeared in the literature and, moreover, works for arrays with one-way communication lines. Also investigated are the effects of augmenting the array with a supplemental control mechanism called global control. It is shown that in many cases arrays with global control can be simulated in real-time by arrays without global control. The result remains true even if one of the processors is augmented by a stack. Cases are also exhibited where the addition of global control makes the array strictly more powerful, even if the control lines are restricted to only a few processors of the array.
A new tetrahedrally distorted copper(II) complex derived from disulphide coupled N-(2-ethanethiol)salicylideneimine

Abstract Copper(II) acetate reacts with N-(2-ethanethiol)salicylideneimine forming an ONNO chelate of α,α′-(diethylenedisulphide)-N,N′-disalicylideneimine with an uncoordinated disulphide. This copper(II) complex can also be obtained in higher yield if the thiol is first oxidized to disulphide with iodine. The geometry about copper(II) is distorted from planar to a flattened tetrahedron.
Breast Conservation after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Stage II Carcinoma of the Breast

Background Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has become the standard treatment for stage III breast cancer. Gratifying results in these patients prompted this prospective, nonrandomized study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in stage II breast cancer. This study presents our experience with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 127 patients with stage II carcinoma of the breast. Study design Patients with stages IIA (T > 3.0 cm) and IIB carcinoma were considered for this study and underwent treatment with cyclic chemotherapy until a plateau of response was achieved. Responders underwent breast conservation or mastectomy according to conventional assessment. Chemotherapy was continued in the adjuvant setting. Survival data were compared with historic controls. Results Between 1981 and 2001, 127 women between the ages of 22 and 80 years (mean age 52, median age 50), with stage II breast cancer were enrolled, with median followup of 60 months. One hundred twenty-two patients (96.1%) responded to chemotherapy. Of this group, 35 (29.2%) experienced complete pathologic responses or had only microscopic foci of disease after treatment. Sixty-two patients (52.5%) had negative lymph nodes at the time of the operation; 28 of these patients were previously considered N-1 clinically. Seventy-six patients (62%) underwent breast conservation. Overall survivals at 5 years for stage IIA and IIB disease were 94.7% and 88%, respectively. Disease-free survival at 5 years was 85.2% for stage IIA patients and 69.1% for stage IIB patients. Conclusions Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be effectively applied to patients with stage II disease, and breast conservation becomes feasible in the majority of patients. When compared with historic controls, the current study suggests a statistically significant overall survival advantage (p
The acute toxicities of 1-methylxanthine, ethanol and 1-methylxanthine-ethanol combinations in the mouse.

Abstract The major metabolites of caffeine in the human are 1-methylxanthine and its oxidation product, 1-methyluric acid. 1-Methylxanthine was administered ip alone and simultaneously with ethanol; both 24- and 48-hr LD50 values were obtained. It is believed that the 48-hr values more truly represent drug effects in the case of 1-methylxanthine. The 48-hr LD50 for 1-methylxanthine was 510 mg/kg, and the 24-hr LD50 for ethanol was 6.66 g/kg. The acute toxicities of proportionally varied combinations of the two compounds were determined according to the method of Tarrant (1972) , and revealed a biphasic interaction which became evident as the proportion of ethanol in the mixtures changed. Investigation into the mechanism of the delayed death observed after 1-methylxanthine treatment indicated that kidney damage may be the principal lethal event. Urea nitrogen concentrations in blood were greatly elevated, and a histological examination of kidney tissues showed significant pathologic changes as well as the presence of crystals within the lumina of kidney tubules.
Solid‐Phase SNAr Macrocyclizations To Give Turn–Extended‐Turn Peptidomimetics

An optimized set of conditions was developed for the synthesis ofβ-turn mimics 1 by SNAr macrocyclizations. These allow efficient production of molecules containing two amino acids (to mimic part of a turn region) fused with a turn-inducing fragment. The turn-inducing fragment is formed from amino acids with nucleophilic side chains and the SNAr electrophile. This methodology facilitates production of focussed libraries based on target protein structures.
Some Acceleration Tests on Large Synchronous Pump Motors

Acceleration tests on motors may yield very interesting and valuable information. These tests show the behavior of the motor in that region between zero speed and full speed through which each motor must pass every time it is started. The usual tests do not cover this range. In fact, it is difficult or impossible to obtain the actual motor characteristics in this range on many motors by any other means. The accelerating characteristics of a motor determine the margin by which that motor is able to start and bring its load up to speed in a reasonable length of time under the least favorable conditions which might be encountered. Acceleration tests may also be used in checking theories of operation, correctness of design constants, the presence of any peculiarities in the performance curves, and, in the case of induction and synchronous machines, any tendency to lock in at a subsynchronous speed. Where the motor has been installed and connected to the load, the characteristics of the load will affect the curves obtained. Tests made under these conditions may be of special value, since they represent operating practice.