cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of gluconeogenic enzymes in fetal sheep liver and kidney.

Abstract In the sheep, the system of enzymes necessary for conversion of nonhexose substrates to glucose becomes active during late fetal life. Glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-diphosphatase, two of the four key gluconeogenic enzymes, appear in significant amounts between 100 and 120 days gestation. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity is comparable to mature animals as early as 45 days gestation. Two aminotransferases, necessary to allow amino acid access to the gluconeogenic pathway, likewise have substantial activity as early as 45 days gestation. Hence, the surge of glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-diphosphatase at 100–120 days gestation makes possible the endogenous production of new glucose by fetal sheep at a time when the amount of glucose transferred from the maternal circulation is less than the total aerobic substrate utilized by the fetus. Both renal cortex and liver have similar developmental patterns for the gluconeogenic enzymes, although renal cortex generally shows greater activity than liver. This observation holds true for tissue from both fetal and mature animals.
An ecohydrological perspective on drought‐induced forest mortality

Regional-scale drought-induced forest mortality events are projected to become more frequent under future climates due to changes in rainfall patterns. The occurrence of these mortality events is driven by exogenous factors such as frequency and severity of drought and endogenous factors such as tree water and carbon use strategies. To explore the link between these exogenous and endogenous factors underlying forest mortality, a stochastic ecohydrological framework that accounts for random arrival and length of droughts as well as responses of tree water and carbon balance to soil water deficit is proposed. The main dynamics of this system are characterized with respect to the spectrum of anisohydric-isohydric stomatal control strategies. Using results from a controlled drought experiment, a maximum tolerable drought length at the point where carbon starvation and hydraulic failure occur simultaneously is predicted, supporting the notion of coordinated hydraulic function and metabolism. We find qualitative agreement between the model predictions and observed regional-scale canopy dieback across a precipitation gradient during the 2002–2003 southwestern United States drought. Both the model and data suggest a rapid increase of mortality frequency below a precipitation threshold. The model also provides estimates of mortality frequency for given plant drought strategies and climate regimes. The proposed ecohydrological approach can be expanded to estimate the effect of anticipated climate change on drought-induced forest mortality and associated consequences for the water and carbon balances.
LAND REALLOCATION IN AN AGRARIAN TRANSITION

Liberalising key factor markets is a crucial step in the transition from a socialist control-economy to a market economy. However, the process can be stalled by imperfect information, high transaction costs and covert resistance from entrenched interests. The article studies agricultural land reallocation in the wake of Vietnam's efforts to establish a free market in land-use rights following de-collectivisation. Inefficiencies in the initial administrative allocation are measured against an explicit counterfactual. Land allocation responded positively but slowly to the initial inefficiencies. There is no sign that the transition favoured the land rich or that it was thwarted by local officials. Vietnam's agrarian transition has closely followed a now classic policy scenario for economies in transition. First one privatises the main productive assets - in this case agricultural land-use rights - then one legalises their free exchange. In the first step, the de-collectivisation of Vietnam's agriculture meant that the land that had previously been farmed collectively was to be allocated by administrative means across households within each commune. Without a market mechanism to guide the process, it can be expected that inefficiencies in land allocation would remain, with some households having too much land relative to a competitive market allocation and some too little. Ravallion and van de Walle (2004) document evidence of such inefficiencies in the initial administrative allocation at the time of de-collectivisation.
The sensitivity of light-evoked responses of retinal ganglion cells is decreased in nitric oxide synthase gene knockout mice.

We have shown previously that increasing the production of nitric oxide (NO) results in a dampening of visual responses ofretinal ganglion cells (G. Y. Wang, L. C. Liets, & L. M. Chalupa, 2003). To gain further insights into the role of NO in retinalfunction, we made whole-cell patch clamp recordings from ganglion cells of neural type nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) geneknockout mice. Here we show that in the dark-adapted state, the sensitivity of retinal ganglion cell to light stimulation isdecreased in nNOS knockout animals. The lowest light intensities required to evoke optimal responses and the averageintensities that evoked half-maximal responses were signiﬁcantly higher in nNOS knockouts than in normal mice. Retinalhistology and other features of light-evoked responses of ganglion cells in nNOS mice appeared to be indistinguishable fromthose of normal mice. Collectively, these results,in conjunction with our previous work, provide evidence that increasing levelsofNOdampenvisualresponsesofganglioncells,whilealackofnNOSdecreasesthesensitivityoftheseneuronstolight.Thus,NO levels in the retina are capable of modulating the information that ganglion cells convey to the visual centers of the brain.Keywords: retinal ganglion cell, neural type nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), visual response, nitric oxide,patch clamp recordingCitation: Wang, G., van der List, D. A., Nemargut, J. P., Coombs, J. L., & Chalupa, L. M. (2007). The sensitivity of light-evoked responses of retinal ganglion cells is decreased in nitric oxide synthase gene knockout mice. Journal of Vision,7(14):7, 1–13, http://journalofvision.org/7/14/7/, doi:10.1167/7.14.7.
A possible sensory-motor neuron in Aplysia californica

A granule-containing cell is described in the secretory epithelia of the accessory genital mass in Aplysia californica. The ciliated apical process of this cell protrudes into the lumen of the oviduct. The granule-containing basal region of the cell is drawn out into fine processes that resemble axons. Granule-filled dilatations of these axons are found directly under large secretory cells. On this basis, it is suggested that these cells fulfill the morphological criteria for sensory-motor cells, and this data will be used as a basis for microelectrode studies to confirm or deny the above suggestion.
Efficient run-time support for irregular block-structured applications

Parallel implementations of scientific applications often rely on elaborate dynamic data structures with complicated communication patterns. We describe a set of intuitive geometric programming abstractions that simplify coordination of irregular block-structured scientific calculations without sacrificing performance. We have implemented these abstractions in KeLP, a C++ run-time library. KeLP's abstractions enable the programmer to express complicated communication patterns for dynamic applications and to tune communication activity with a high-level, abstract interface. We show that KeLP's flexible communication model effectively manages elaborate data motion patterns arising in structured adaptive mesh refinement and achieves performance comparable to hand-coded message-passing on several structured numerical kernels.
An autoradiographic screening test for mycoplasmal contamination of mammalian cell cultures.

Autoradiographic detection of incorporation of tritiated thymidine into the cytoplasm of cultured mammalian cells has been evaluated as a test of contamination of the cultures by cell-associated microorganisms, which usually are mycoplasmas. Criteria which indicate the presence of cell-associated mycoplasmas have been established, and the reliability of the standardized autoradiographic method has been assessed by testing the same cultures by two colony formation methods of mycoplasmal detection. The autoradiographic method demonstrated cell-associated microorganisms in all cultures from which characteristic colonies were grown on mycoplasma agar. The autoradiographic method did not produce false positive results, and the outcome of this test was evident in 3 days as opposed to 7 to 14 days by agar culture methods. Some applications of the autoradiographic method are shown, and it is suggested that this method be employed for routine surveillance for mycoplasmal contamination in laboratories where facilities for frequent agar culture tests are not easily available.
Low-impedance shielded tip piezoresistive probe enables portable microwave impedance microscopy

New scanning probes suitable for microwave impedance microscopy (MIM) measurements on any scanning platform using a piezoactuator are presented. The authors microfabricated piezoresistive cantilevers integrated with low-impedance, electrically shielded transmission lines to enable simultaneous topographical and electrical scanning probe microscopy. The probes provide topography feedback with nanometre vertical resolution for samples or setups where laser detection is not feasible or desirable. MIM is a scanning probe technique that uses the interaction of a gigahertz electrical signal with a sample, and yields a conductivity map of the sample at the nanoscale. The proposed design exhibits vertical displacement resolution of 3.5 nm in a measurement bandwidth from 1 to 10 kHz. The capacitance between shield and inner conductors measured with an impedance analyser is 9.5 pF and the trace resistance is 32 . Sample location and topographic scanning capabilities using the self-sensing piezoresistor are demonstrated.
Lectin- and ionophore-stimulated Ca2+ influx in murine lymphocytes: Inhibition by disialoganglioside

Abstract Gangliosides suppress lymphocyte mitogenesis when added exogenously to the cells. On the premise that the mechanism of ganglioside action may be an interference with primary induction events, mitogen-induced 45 Ca 2+ influx in murine lymphocytes was studied. Disialoganglioside (GD1a) at physiopathological concentrations inhibits concanavalin A-induced 45 Ca 2+ uptake as well as blast transformation. The suppressive action of GD1a is both concentration dependent (50% suppression at 13 μ M ) and very rapid (within 1 min). GD1a is not cytotoxic nor does it significantly alter the rate of Ca 2+ efflux. The uptake studies were extended to A23187, a compound with mitogenic and specific divalent cation ionophore activities. Ca 2+ uptake by lymphoid cells from AKR/J, Swiss, and CBA mice is stimulated by A23187; and GD1a, in a dose-dependent manner, inhibits the ionophore-induced 45 Ca 2+ influx. Pretreatment of thymocytes with GD1a renders the cells greatly insensitive to the subsequent ionophore activity of A23187. The results suggest that exogenous gangliosides may function as an inhibitor of some of the mitogen-triggered early events, including Ca 2+ metabolism, and thus influence the immunological behavior of intact lymphoid cells.
Bridging the thinking-doing divide: engaged in strategy implementation

Strategy implementation is essential to organisational transformation and the development of competitive advantage, yet it is a complex process with a poor success rate. Contemporary integrative perspectives have not significantly improved the ability of the organisation to effectively execute its long-term plans. This paper proposes an implementation model that addresses a principal obstacle: the persistent gap between strategy formulation (conception) and implementation (execution). Bridging the divide between organisational thinkers and doers requires engaged actors, individuals who are both intellectually and emotionally invested in the organisation and who take action to transform it. We argue that engagement requires a relational context based on social significance and offer two approaches for developing and sustaining workforce engagement consistent with effective strategic change.
Behavioural and arousal‐related influences on breathing in humans

This review has described the many behavioural and arousal-related influences on breathing and the extent of these influences in humans. The chief examples have included the effect on breathing of altered mental activity, wakefulness and sleep, and learned respiratory responses. Determining the precise neurological mechanisms underlying these effects represents a difficult challenge to respiratory physiologists who seek to understand the respiratory control system of awake behaving humans. Nevertheless, insight into the various forebrain and brainstem inputs to respiratory muscles has been gained by studies of breathing during particular behaviours (when either voluntary or reflex breathing predominates) or in particular neurological patients (in whom either voluntary or reflex breathing is defective). With developments in brain imaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, it may soon be possible to determine more precisely the various anatomical sources and timing of the motor commands to breathe during different behaviours, states of arousal and sleep.
Independent yields of 124Sb, 126Sb and 136Cs in 14·8-MeV neutron-induced fission of thorium and uranium

Abstract Independent yields of 60-day 124 Sb, 12·5-day 126 Sb and 12·9-day 136 Cs in 14·8-MeV neutron-induced fission of 232 Th and 238 U have been measured to be: 0·068±0·0017, 0·017±0·004, and 0·098±0·016 percent, respectively, for thorium fission; 0·024±0·005, 0·010±0·004, and 0·049±0·008 per cent, respectively, for uranium fission. Measured independent yields for fission products in the asymmetric fission region of the mass-yield curves agreed well with the calculated values based on the equal charge displacement rule. Data for the fission products in the symmetric fission region of the mass-yield curves showed better agreements with the calculated values based on the constant charge ratio hypothesis.
Synchronization of non-phase-coherent chaotic electrochemical oscillations

Experiments on phase and generalized synchronization of two coupled, nonidentical chaotic electrochemical oscillations are presented. We adapt measures of characterizing synchronization of a non-phase-coherent chaotic behavior and compare its properties and physicochemical mechanism to those of a phase-coherent behavior. Phase synchronization sets in along with the onset of generalized synchronization for the non-phase-coherent oscillations in contrast to phase-coherent oscillations in which the phase synchronization usually occurs at a weaker coupling strength.
Applying Realtime Intelligence Acquisition Techniques To Problems In Resource Management

Most people see little similarity between a battlefield manager and a natural resource manager. However, except for the element of time, many striking similarities may be drawn. Indeed, there are more differences between the tranquil scenes of mountain scenery, forests, rivers or grasslands and bomb scarred battlefields where survival is often the prime objective. The similarities center around the basic need for information upon which good decisions may be made. Both managers of battlefields and of natural resources require accurate, timely, and continuous information about changing conditions. Based on this information, they each make decisions to conserve the materials and resources under their charge. Their common goal is to serve the needs of the people in their society. On the one hand, the goal is victory in battle to perpetuate a way of life or a political system. On the other, the goal is victory in an ongoing battle against fire, insects, disease, soil erosion, vandalism, theft, and misuse in general. Here, a desire to maintain natural resources in a productive and healthy condition prevails. The objective of the natural resource manager is to keep natural resources in such a condition that they will continue to meet the needs and wants of the people who claim them for their common good. In this paper, the different needs for information are compared and a little history of some of the quasi-military aspects of resource management is given. Needs for information are compared and current uses of data acquisition techniques are reviewed. Similarities and differences are discussed and future opportunities for cooperation in data acquisition are outlined.
Lhx2 specifies regional fate in Emx1 lineage of telencephalic progenitors generating cerebral cortex

Cerebral cortex is comprised of regions, including six-layer neocortex and three-layer olfactory cortex, generated by telencephalic progenitors of an Emx1 lineage. The mechanism specifying region-specific subpopulations in this lineage is unknown. We found that the LIM homeodomain transcription factor Lhx2 in mice, expressed in graded levels by progenitors, determines their regional identity and fate decisions to generate neocortex or olfactory cortex. Deletion of Lhx2 with Emx1-cre at embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5) altered the fates of progenitors, causing them to generate three-layer cortex, phenocopying olfactory cortex rather than lateral neocortex. Progenitors did not generate ectopic olfactory cortex following Lhx2 deletion at E11.5. Thus, Lhx2 regulates a regional-fate decision by telencephalic progenitors during a critical period that ends as they differentiate from neuroepithelial cells to neuronogenic radial glia. These findings establish a genetic mechanism for determining regional-fate in the Emx1 lineage of telencephalic progenitors that generate cerebral cortex.
Hydrogen-Bond-Mediated Photoinduced Electron-Transfer: Novel Dimethylaniline−Anthracene Ensembles Formed via Watson−Crick Base-Pairing

The synthesis of a new, noncovalent anthracene−dimethylaniline dyad (ensemble I) held together via guanosine-cytidine Watson−Crick base-pairing interactions is reported. Upon excitation at 420 nm, photoinduced electron-transfer from the dimethylaniline donor to the singlet excited state of the anthracene acceptor occurs, as inferred from a combination of time-resolved fluorescence quenching and transient absorption measurements. In toluene at room temperature, the rate constants for photoinduced intraensemble electron-transfer and subsequent back-electron-transfer (charge recombination) are kCS = (3.5 ± 0.03) × 1010 s-1 and kCR = (1.42 ± 0.03) × 109 s-1, respectively.
The impact of infectious and allergic diseases on the quality of life.

Abstract Although there has been a dramatic decrease in infectious diseases which cause death and widespread misery, minor transient illnesses and chronic diseases continue to occur or have become more common. Although it is generally appreciated that these diseases have a great impact on the quality of life, few studies have been carried out to assess these impacts. Such studies are necessary in order to define our priorities for further research and/or applying our current knowledge with respect to prevention and therapy. The quality of life cannot be easily defined or described, as it is predicated upon criteria derived from some value system, which is obviously variable. Although terms associated with the quality of life are not easily understood or uniformly accepted, they are associated with many attitudes, behavioral or functional features which can, at least, in part be assessed to characterize personal and social living. The impact of disease upon them requires more intensive study, especially those diseases which may have covert consequences which can affect function and behavior. Acute illnesses in childhood may produce persistent subtle disability with far ranging impacts. Research in this area is promising although still in its infancy.
CONSTITUTIVE MODEL FOR HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE MATERIAL: SYSTEMATIC APPROACH

A constitutive model was developed for high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe material using published data considering the strain rate effect. A hyperbolic model was used and a conventional approach was employed to estimate the constants of this model from published test data. The observed form of HDPE material behavior as the strain rate changes suggested that a more systematic approach might yield a more robust predictive model. This paper presents a newly developed constitutive model for HDPE material using both the conventional approach and a more systematic “focus point” method.
Computer applications in clinical training.

Abstract Computer-based systems for enhancement of clinical training in audiology and speech pathology are described. The method employed places students in the position of having to make the kinds of critical observations and diagnostic judgements that typically occur in a clinical setting. The role of the computer is to simulate diagnostic tests, with or without patient variability, or to control a series of videotapes that depict various aspects of clinical practice. The systems described in this article are intended to augment conventional training procedures and should be used in conjunction with the student's coursework and regular clinical practicums.
Diamond synthesis using an oxygen-acetylene torch

Diamond microcrystallites and polycrystalline films were grown on various substrates in the ambient atmosphere with an oxygen-acetylene welding torch. Growth is examined as a function of substrate position and temperature, and gas flow ratio. The deposited material was analyzed with Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy.
Similarities and Differences Between the Sperm Quality Index and Sperm Mobility Index of Broiler Breeder Semen

The sperm quality index (SQI) and sperm mobility index (SMI) both predict sperm motility. Previous research was conducted comparing the SMI with the SQI; however, semen was diluted improperly for the SQI (40-fold). For an accurate comparison, semen must be diluted 10-fold for the SQI. Therefore, the overall objective of this study, utilizing 4 experiments, was to examine the relationship of the SQI with the SMI when: 1) active, heat-inactivated, and boiled sperm were incubated and analyzed over 60 min, 2) motile and immotile sperm were combined, 3) dead sperm (boiled or frozen) and live sperm were combined, and 4) sperm were rendered immotile by adding Zn. In experiment 1, the SQI was stable throughout incubation for active sperm and zero for heat-inactivated and boiled sperm. The SMI from active sperm steadily increased over incubation. However, the SMI from heat-inactivated sperm increased drastically resulting in values higher than active sperm after 35 min of incubation. The SMI from active sperm was higher than boiled sperm throughout incubation. For experiment 2, a cubic increase in the SQI occurred as active sperm increased from 0 to 100%. However, there was no difference in SMI readings until samples contained 80% active sperm. In experiment 3, for both boiled and frozen sperm, as the percentage of viable sperm increased, there was a logarithmic increase in the SQI. The SMI values were similar for 0 and 100% viable sperm when using boiled sperm, and all SMI readings were similar to 0% viable for frozen sperm. For experiment 4, both the SQI and SMI values from semen incubated with Zn were lower than that of saline. The SQI from sperm incubated in saline was higher than that of Zn throughout incubation, yet there were no differences in SMI values after 90 min of incubation. In conclusion, both the SQI and SMI of sperm decrease in response to Zn. However, it appears that immotile and dead sperm are capable of increasing SMI values but not SQI values.
A New Class of Fluorescent Biosensors for Regulatory Pathways in Cells

Live cell health and function is controlled by interactions between thousands of types of proteins that are parts of regulatory pathways. We are developing a toolkit of fluorescent probes (biosensors) for quantifying the protein regulation pathways of proteins in living cells at high resolution. To do this we have created a new paradigm for biosensor development in which engineer proteins and environmentally sensitive fluorophores are combined within cells. The first generation of biosensors target membrane protein trafficking and protease activity. Other biosensors are under development for quantifying protein-protein interactions and for targeting physiological indicator probes to interesting cell compartments. After genetic expression of the fluorescent biosensors into cells, the cellular activity is readout by detection instruments like imaging fluorescence microscopes, flow cytometers and high-throughput readers.
Impact of optical coherence tomography on surgical decision making for epiretinal membranes and vitreomacular traction

PURPOSE To compare retina surgeons' recommendations for management of epiretinal membranes (ERM) and vitreomacular traction (VMT) based on clinical assessment alone with management based on clinical evaluation supplemented by optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS A prospective, masked clinical case series was conducted. Surgeons first performed a complete history and physical examination on patients referred with the macular disorders under study without the benefit of adjunctive OCT, determined whether ERM, VMT, and/or macular edema were present, questionably present, or absent, and made a provisional management recommendation. The retina specialists then reviewed the OCT images for the presence or absence of ERM, VMT, and/or associated macular edema and reconsidered the final management recommendation in light of clinical evaluation combined with OCT findings. RESULTS Eighty-four eyes of 73 patients were examined. ERM was identified in 66 (78.6%) of 84 eyes using clinical examination compared with 72 (85.7%) of 84 eyes using OCT (P = 0.06). VMT was identified in 5 (6%) of 84 eyes using clinical examination compared with 18 (21.4%) of 84 eyes using OCT (P < 0.005). Macular edema was identified in 57 (67.9%) of 84 eyes using clinical examination compared with 70 (83.3%) of 84 eyes using OCT (P = 0.003). Surgical intervention was recommended in 33 cases: 19 (57.6%) based on the history and clinical examination findings without OCT information and an additional 14 (42.4%) based on the combination of clinical evaluation and OCT findings. CONCLUSIONS OCT is more sensitive than clinical examination in detecting ERM, VMT, and associated macular edema. Taken together with careful clinical evaluation, OCT findings influenced surgeons to recommend consideration of surgery to an additional 14 patients (42.2%) in this series.
Factors involved in successful freezing of kidneys for transplantation. Preliminary experimental observations

Abstract Our experiments have attempted to define in a randomized and double-blind fashion some of the important factors involved in freezing of kidneys for transplantation. Only kidneys that were perfused under hypothermic pulsatile perfusion for 6 to 24 hr (with dimethyl sulfoxide, 7.5%), frozen with intraarterial helium and liquid nitrogen, thawed with a rapid microwave thawing technique, reperfused again, and thereafter transplanted showed some evidence of protection. Although 5 out of 10 kidneys showed some evidence of function after grafting, only 3 kidneys functioned with normal creatinine for up to 20 days of follow-up. Kidneys frozen utilizing the current previously available techniques for freezing did not function after transplantation. All the kidneys in this group were not viable after transplantation.
Structural Elements of ADP-ribosylation Factor 1 Required for Functional Interaction With cytohesin-1

ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) is a 20-kDa guanine nucleotide-binding protein involved in vesicular trafficking. Conversion of inactive ARF-GDP to active ARF-GTP is catalyzed by guanine nucleotide exchange proteins such as cytohesin-1. Cytohesin-1 and its Sec7 domain (C-1Sec7) exhibit guanine nucleotide exchange protein activity with ARF1 but not ARF-like protein 1 (ARL1), which is 57% identical in amino acid sequence. With chimeric proteins composed of ARF1 (F) and ARL1 (L) sequences we identified three structural elements responsible for this specificity. Cytohesin-1 increased [35S]guanosine 5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate binding to L28/F (first 28 residues of L, remainder F) and to a much lesser extent F139/L, and mut13F139/L (F139/L with random sequence in the first 13 positions) but not Delta13ARF1 that lacks the first 13 amino acids; therefore, a nonspecific ARF N terminus was required for cytohesin-1 action. The N terminus was not, however, required for that of C-1Sec7. Both C-1Sec7 and cytohesin-1 effectively released guanosine 5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate from ARF1, but only C-1Sec7 displaced the nonhydrolyzable GTP analog bound to mut13F139/L, again indicating that structure in addition to the Sec7 domain is involved in cytohesin-1 interaction. Some element(s) of the C-terminal region is also involved, because replacement of the last 42 amino acids with ARL sequence in F139L decreased markedly the interaction with cytohesin-1. Participation of both termini is consistent with the crystallographic structure of ARF in which the two terminal alpha-helices are in close proximity. ARF1 residues 28-50 are also important in the interaction with cytohesin-1; replacement of Lys-38 with Gln, the corresponding residue in ARL1, abolished the ability to serve as substrate for cytohesin-1 or C-1Sec7. These studies have defined multiple structural elements in ARF1, including switch 1 and the N and C termini, that participate in functional interactions with cytohesin-1 (or its catalytic domain C-1Sec7), which were not apparent from crystallographic analysis.
Intestinal weight loss in mice irradiated by roentgen rays, gamma rays, and fast neutrons.

Groups of l0-week-old female RF mice were exposed to graded doses of Co/ sup 60/ gamma rays 250 kv x rays, or l4-Mev fast neutrons. The weight of the small intestine decreased during the first 48 hours after irradiation as a linear function of dose over the range 50 to 700 rads. No significant differences between radiations in the production of this effect were observed l day after irradiation, but at 2 days the RBE was found to increase with LET, being l.0, l.5, and 2.0 for gamma rays. x rays, and neutrons, respectively. The RBE of neutrons for intestinal weight loss was appreciably higher than for 30-day lethality, in keeping with the hypothesis that the earlier mortality of mice exposed to neutrons, as opposed to roentgen rays, results from relatively greater injury of the gastrointestinal tract by neutrons. (auth)
Agronomic Traits Affecting Resistance to White Mold in Common Bean

Resistance to white mold [caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary] in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is complexly inherited, and highly influenced by environmental factors. The identification of agronomically desirable avoidance mechanisms in advanced or elite lines and segregating populations is essential. The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship between nine agronomic traits (growth habit, days to flower, canopy height and width, branching pattern, lodging, days to maturity, seed size, and yield) and resistance to white mold in the field, corresponding heritabilities of resistance and agronomic traits, and the effect of the agronomic traits on disease and seed yield. A group of elite lines, and two recombinant populations derived from crosses between two resistant navy bean cultivars, Bunsi and Huron, to a susceptible cultivar, Newport, were evaluated for disease severity index (DSI) and agronomic traits in multiple field seasons. Heritability estimates for DSI were moderate (0.47) in the Bunsi/Newport population and high (0.82) in the Huron/Newport population. All agronomic traits displayed moderate to high heritability estimates. The agronomic traits that associated significantly with DSI in the three populations differed greatly. The most important agronomic trait that reduced DSI and contributed to yield was indeterminate growth habit. Increased canopy height, width, and lodging were generally associated with an increase in DSI, whereas traits such as days to flower and maturity varied in relation to DSI and yield across environments and populations. The complexity of the relationship of agronomic traits to DSI and yield highlights the difficulties bean breeders face in selecting among elite lines and within segregating populations for resistance to white mold in the field.
Cognitive Impairment Occurs in Children and Adolescents With Multiple Sclerosis Results From a United States Network

In the largest sample studied to date, we measured cognitive functioning in children and adolescents with pediatric multiple sclerosis (n = 187) as well as those with clinically isolated syndrome (n = 44). Participants were consecutively enrolled from six United States Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence. Participants had a mean of 14.8 ± 2.6 years of age and an average disease duration of 1.9 ± 2.2 years. A total of 65 (35%) children with multiple sclerosis and 8 (18%) with clinically isolated syndrome met criteria for cognitive impairment. The most frequent areas involved were fine motor coordination (54%), visuomotor integration (50%), and speeded information processing (35%). A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (odds ratio = 3.60, confidence interval = 1.07, 12.36, P = .04) and overall neurologic disability (odds ratio = 1.47, confidence interval = 1.10, 2.10, P = .03) were the only independent predictors of cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment may occur early in these patients, and prompt recognition is critical for their care.
Mitochondrial biogenesis during spermatogenesis in Heliothis virescens, H. subflexa, and their male‐sterile backcross hybrids

The mitochondrial proteins synthesized by spermatogenic cells from Heliothis virescens, H. subflexa, and their male-sterile backcross progeny were analyzed by using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. This subset of total cellular proteins was defined by using a combination of cellular fractionation techniques and pulse-labeling in the presence of antibiotics. Mitochondrial morphology was also evaluated in cells from fertile and sterile testes by using the laser dye rhodamine 123. These studies revealed that while abnormal mitochondrial structures are apparent in sperm from backcross moths, neither protein synthesis nor import into the organelle was affected in these individuals. Two mitochondrial proteins exhibiting charge variation between the two parental hybridizing species have been identified, and these results are discussed within the context of a hypothesis developed to account for the sterility phenomenon.
Biomarkers for cardiovascular disease: challenges and future directions

The accurate diagnosis and prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important public health goal. Although clinical characteristics such as age and gender are well-established risk factors for CVD, such features are not sufficient to identify all patients at risk. Cardiovascular biomarkers have the potential to augment clinical risk stratification by aiding in screening, diagnosis and assessment of prognosis. However, most current biomarkers have only modest predictive value, and there is a need to identify additional biomarkers from new biological pathways. The availability of platforms for profiling DNA, RNA, proteins and metabolites in clinical specimens has facilitated the 'unbiased' search for new biomarkers, which can now be tested in a clinical setting. This review highlights recent developments in the field of cardiovascular biomarkers and describes the use of new technologies for the identification of biomarkers.
A generalized multi-point boundary value problem for second order ordinary differential equations

Let f: [0,1] x R^2 -> R be a function satisfying Caratheodory's conditions and e(t) @? L^1[0,1]. Let @x"i, @t"j @? (0,1), a"i, b"j @? R, i = 1, 2,..., m - 2, j = 1, 2,..., n-2, 0 < @x"1 < @x"2 < ... < @x"m"-"2 < 1, 0 < @t"1 < @t"2 < ... < @t"n"-"2 < 1 be given. This paper is concerned with the problem of existence of a solution for the generalized multi-point boundary value problems @x''(t)=f(t, @x(t), @x'(t)) + e(t), 0
Load leveling for control of distributed processing systems (abstract only)

Equalization of computing loads among distributed processors can be the basis for a decentralized operating system. Such equalization can be stated as a design principle: each node acts in its own best interest. A node's best interest is to maintain a high rate of process execution time.For a process transferred among nodes, we assess whether the incurred overhead cost in transferring the task will reduce the load to make such transference worthwhile. A second problem is the existence of such thresholds.
Consumer Boycotts in the United States, 1970–1980: Contemporary Events in Historical Perspective

Despite the theoretical and practical interest in consumer boycotts, little in the way of an empirical literature has accumulated on this form of marketplace action. The present study surveyed news sources and participants in an effort to understand consumer boycotts which occurred in the United States in the 1970–1980 period. A total of 90 boycotts was identified and described. The findings indicate that boycotts have involved an unusually wide variety of protest groups, target organizations, and social concerns in cities and states in every region of the United States. They also appear to be on the increase. Some factors which may influence the success of boycotts are identified and discussed. Also discussed are ways in which consumer boycotts in the United States have changed and ways in which they have remained the same since the turn of the century. Of special interest here is the growing use of “surrogate boycotts” to deal with issues with origins outside of the marketplace.
Comparison of two Scoring Methods for Root Surface Caries in Hamsters

The aim of this investigation was to compare two methods of scoring root surface caries in hamster teeth. The experimental material was mandibles from hamsters which had been infected with Actinomyces viscosus, fed a caries-promoting diet, and received either 0, 1, 10, or 25 ppm fluoride in the drinking water during an 18-week experimental period (Stookey, 1986). Root surface caries on the lingual surfaces of mandibular first molars was scored according to the grid method of Doff et al. (1977) and by the quantitative planimetric method of Firestone et al. (1986). Data from both methods confirmed that 25 and 10 ppm fluoride were significantly more caries-inhibitory than 1 ppm fluoride, which, in turn, significantly reduced root surface caries compared with the 0 ppm control group. Correlation coefficients for caries scores (0.92) and ranking of the scores (0.88) for each animal between the two methods were highly significant (p < 0.0001). The planimetric measurement of root surface caries in hamsters was as sensitive as the grid-scoring method.
The influence of interviewer sex on responses to sensitive questions in Nepal

Abstract This paper examines the effects of interviewer sex on responses as a source of nonsampling error that can be remedied to provide more reliable and valid data from the applications of survey methods in less developed settings. Data from a study in Nepal featuring the random assignment of interviewers to households are used to test several hypotheses regarding the influence of interviewer gender. The focus of these tests is responses to sensitive questions on economic activity and fertility. The results are consistent with the conclusions that interviewer gender does affect responses to some sensitive questions, with male interviewers generally gathering under-reports.
Functions of Written Language in a First-Grade Classroom.

Teachers of young children often ask them to write across a wide variety of genres and functions. This article focuses upon the experience of one child as she undertakes all this writing. Richard Meyer finds that several hidden functions of language come to the fore in the child's experience and he goes on to examine the implications of this view of classrooms for future development.
Inhibition of the automatic storage of speaker's voice.

The voice-connotation hypothesis of Geiselman and Bellezza (1976, 1977) states that a speaker’s voice is sometimes remembered without intent because the connotation of the voice automatically influences the meaning of what is said. Results from the present experiment suggest that subjects have the option to prevent the speaker’s-voice attribute from being stored with the contents of what is said when such processing would interfere with other cognitive operations.
Predicting Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Mothers and Fathers of Survivors of Childhood Cancers

ABSTRACT Objective To predict posttraumatic stress symptoms in parents of survivors of childhood cancer, using as predictors the following: personality (trait anxiety); current family and individual variables (perceived life threat, perceived treatment intensity, life events, family functioning, and social support); posttreatment variables (time since treatment ended, child anxiety, medical sequelae); and treatment events (age at diagnosis, radiation therapy, intensity of treatment). Method Mothers and fathers of 6- to 20-year-old survivors of childhood cancer (n = 331 families) completed a questionnaire battery in this two-site study. The outcome variable was the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index. Multiple regression and path analyses were used to test the model. Results For both mothers and fathers, anxiety was the strongest predictor of posttraumatic stress symptoms. The current family and individual variables also contributed significantly, particularly with respect to the individual contributions of perceived life threat, perceived treatment intensity, and social support. Objective medical data did not contribute to posttraumatic stress symptoms. Conclusions Parental anxiety warrants attention throughout the course of treatment for childhood cancer and after treatment ends. Beliefs about past and present life threats associated with cancer treatment and family and social support are other important targets for intervention.
A Common Keratin 5 Gene Mutation in Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex–Weber-Cockayne

The Weber-Cockayne subtype of epidermolysis bullosa simplex is an inherited skin-fragility disorder characterized by basal keratinocyte lysis and epidermal blistering confined primarily to the hands and feet. The disorder results from a mutation in either the keratin 5 or keratin 14 gene, which encode the peptide components of the obligate heterodimeric keratin intermediate filaments of the basal cell. We have determined that a T → G substitution mutation in keratin 5, which results in a Ile → Ser change codon 161, is common among patients with the Weber-Cockayne disease variant, accounting for six of 13 cases tested. The observed high frequency of this mutation may result from either a mutational hot spot or a founder effect, The potential utility of this common mutation in confirming disease status in some at-risk individual is discussed.
An Alternate Perspective on the Roles of TIMPs and MMPs in Pathology

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are pleiotropic extracellular proteins. TIMPs are recognized as endogenous regulators of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a large family of extracellular enzymes with proteolytic activities that participate in cellular homeostasis, adaptation, and tissue remodeling. In addition to their roles as endogenous potent MMP inhibitors, accumulating evidence indicates important physiological roles for TIMPs that are independent of their ability to block MMP activities. For instance, MMP-independent actions of TIMP-1 in the central nervous system have been implicated in synaptic plasticity, neuroprotection, oncogenesis, and oligodendrocyte differentiation. Expression of TIMP-1 is dramatically increased in response to a variety of injurious and inflammatory insults. In the context of disease pathogenesis, MMP and TIMP expression are interpreted with respect to the proteolytic consequences of increased MMP/TIMP ratios. Here, we provide an alternative perspective on the homeostatic balance of TIMP and MMP proteins, whereby consideration is given to the possible role of MMPs as cognate inhibitors of the signaling functions of TIMPs. Thus, MMPs may regulate the receptor-mediated actions of TIMPs, inasmuch as TIMPs are themselves inhibitors of MMP-mediated proteolytic activities. This broader view reflects our emerging understanding that TIMP signaling and MMP inhibition represent two important functions of TIMPs that have the potential to affect tissue pathology.
Heart Rate Variability for Preclinical Detection of Secondary Complications After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background We sought to determine if monitoring heart rate variability (HRV) would enable preclinical detection of secondary complications after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
Effects of LH and ovarian hormones on corpora lutea of pseudopregnant and pregnant rabbits.

The intravenous administration of LH to pseudopregnant and pregnant rabbits on day 9 following mating causes regression of corpora lutea. The regressive action of LH on these glands is not affected by the injection of progesterone but is prevented by 17β-estradiol alone or in combination with progesterone. Formation and growth of new corpora lutea induced by injected LH in pseudopregnant and pregnant rabbits do not appear to be influenced by the presence of natural glands alone. A second injection of LH into animals possessing 9-day-old induced corpora lutea causes regression of these glands like that of naturally formed corpora lutea. Exogenous progesterone retarded the formation and development of induced corpora lutea in pseudopregnant animals; 17β-estradiol + progesterone produced a similar retarding effect on these glands in both pseudopregnant and pregnant animals. Either LH or 17β-estradiol reduced fetal viability. Exogenous progesterone was able to overcome the effect of LH on fetal viability but ...
Robust Tremor Attenuation for Single DOF Model of Human Elbow Joint With Parametric Uncertainties

In this article, a tremor attenuation algorithm is designed based on the backstepping method. A high-pass filter was designed in frequency domain and its state space realization was derived to be used as an estimator for the tremorous motion. Using the pole placement method an appropriate state feedback control law was designed to stabilize its output. The dynamics of the human arm was considered and a backstepping controller was derived for the applied torque to the arm. The global asymptotic stability of the resulting closed-loop system was proved using Lyapunov method. The controller is robust against parametric uncertainty and unmodeled nonlinear terms of the arm dynamical model. Simulation results shows the successful suppression of tremor in the presence of parametric uncertainty.Copyright © 2011 by ASME