cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and the regulation of rat hepatic sterol synthesis: a reexamination based on Sutherland criteria.

Abstract Many investigators have reported that adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphatase (cyclic AMP) at supraphysiologic concentrations (10 −4 M) suppresses lipogenesis in rat livers in vitro. The data in this report demonstrate that the phosphodiesterase inhibitor theophylline does not suppress sterol synthesis by itself nor does it potentiate the cyclic AMP-mediated suppression. In addition the cyclic AMP-mediated effect was not specific as many structurally-related compounds including adenosine triphosphate, adenosine 5′-diphosphate, adenosine 5′-monophosphate, adenosine, coenzyme A, HMG coenzyme A, and guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate suppressed sterol synthesis. The phenomenon of cyclic AMP-suppression of sterol synthesis does not fulfill two of the four criteria defined by Sutherland to assess whether a given metabolic effect is mediated by cyclic AMP. Therefore, we conclude that the cyclic AMP mediated suppression of sterologenesis is not a physiologic effect of the nucleotide.
The distribution of olivine in the Crater Copernicus

Multispectral imaging in the visible and near-IR at four wavelengths (0.73, 0.96, 1.45, and 1.99 micron) of Copernicus crater has been used to map the distribution of olivine-rich, pyroxene-poor material known previously to occur in the central peak complex. Three additional portions of the crater exhibit spectral characteristics similar to those of the central peaks, strongly suggesting the presence of material similar to that exposed in the central peaks. These areas are a scarp forming a portion of the northern rim of Copernicus, and two slump blocks in the north wall which may have been derived from the same portion of the ejecta now exposed in the rim scarp. These occurrences decrease the minimum allowable depth for this unusual material in the Copernicus target site though still represent some of the deepest material exposed by Copernicus.
The 2004 International AIDS Conference and how to globally counter HIV/AIDS.

AbstractThis article reports noteworthy HIV/AIDS clinical trials presented at the XVth International AIDS Conference, Bangkok, July 2004, and also outlines goals of comprehensive prevention, care, treatment, and monitoring plans. The Bangkok conference theme was "Access for All." Outlined are goals of comprehensive prevention, care, and treatment programs: increased education and prevention efforts, greater involvement of national health authorities, reduction of new HIV infections, increased use of voluntary counseling and testing, increased acceptance and use of condoms, acceptance of an individual's right to be protected against HIV infection during sexual activity, increased support of NGOs, reduction of sexual partners, increased sexual fidelity, availability of antiretroviral medication, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, reduction of AIDS deaths, improved surveillance of sexually transmitted infections, improved blood supply security, increased coordination with tuberculosis and malaria tr...
Gaussian Processes for Object Categorization

Discriminative methods for visual object category recognition are typically non-probabilistic, predicting class labels but not directly providing an estimate of uncertainty. Gaussian Processes (GPs) provide a framework for deriving regression techniques with explicit uncertainty models; we show here how Gaussian Processes with covariance functions defined based on a Pyramid Match Kernel (PMK) can be used for probabilistic object category recognition. Our probabilistic formulation provides a principled way to learn hyperparameters, which we utilize to learn an optimal combination of multiple covariance functions. It also offers confidence estimates at test points, and naturally allows for an active learning paradigm in which points are optimally selected for interactive labeling. We show that with an appropriate combination of kernels a significant boost in classification performance is possible. Further, our experiments indicate the utility of active learning with probabilistic predictive models, especially when the amount of training data labels that may be sought for a category is ultimately very small.
Freezing Tolerance of Six Cultivars of Buffalograss

Freezing tolerance is an important trait that determines geographical adaptation of a turfgrass. This study was conducted to assess the relative freezing tolerance, seasonal changes in freezing tolerance (LT 50 ), and winter survival of six cultivars of buffalograss [Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.]. The cultivars 91-118, Tatanka, Texoka, Stampede, UCR-95, and 609 were grown in the field at Fort Collins, CO. From September 1998 to April 1999 and from October 1999 to May 2000, stolons were sampled monthly from each plot and subjected to laboratory freezing tests. Survival and recovery following the freezing test indicated that all cultivars had similar LT 50 in September and gradually increased in winter hardiness during fall. However, the capacity to acclimate and the maximum freezing tolerance were significantly different among the cultivars. Ranking of grasses for mean LT 50 (°C) was Tatanka (-18.1) = 91-118 (-18.0) ≤ Texoka (-17.1) < 609 (-14.4) < Stampede (-12.4) < UCR-95 (-9.2) during midwinter in 1998-1999 and Texoka (-21.7) = 91-118 (-21.6) = Tatanka (-21.0) < 609 (-15.8) = Stampede (-15.1) < UCR-95 (-14.0) during midwinter in 1999-2000. Following freezing treatments, Tatanka and 91-118 maintained a higher relative shoot and root regrowth than other cultivars. Root regrowth was reduced by freezing to a greater extent than shoot regrowth for all cultivars. Field winter survival, a measure of winter hardiness, in 1998, 1999, and 2000 was generally in agreement with laboratory test results, showing that Stampede, 609, and UCR-95 were more susceptible to winterkill than 91-118 and Tatanka. The differences in freezing tolerance among the cultivars tested indicates substantial intraspecific variation that may be used for breeding improvement.
Automatic decomposition of time series into step, ramp, and impulse primitives

Time series data that can be modeled as linear combinations of weighted and shifted primitive functions such as ramps, steps and impulses are representative of many industrial, manufacturing, and business processes. Data of this type also are found in statistical process control, structural health monitoring, and other system diagnosis applications. Often, the existence of one or more of these primitive functions may be indicative of the occurrence of a specific process event, making their detection and interpretation of great interest. The human eye is an exceptional tool at this kind of pattern recognition. However, for processes that generate large amounts of data the human eye encounters difficulties related to speed and consistency necessitating an automated approach. In this paper, we consider the problem of decomposing a time series into its steps, ramps, and impulses constituents and expressing it as a linear combination of weighted and shifted versions of these primitives. We express the problem as a least squares error minimization coupled with a combinatorial search to arrive at an acceptable decomposition. We show that under certain conditions, such decomposition is possible and can be obtained efficiently using a sliding window approach. We illustrate the results with several examples.
Evaluating Health Web Sites for Research and Practice

Scientific Inquiry provides a forum to facilitate the ongoing process of questioning and evaluating practice, presents informed practice based on available data, and innovates new practices through research and experimental learning.
Extending Synthetic Access to Proteins

The ligation of an unprotected peptide thioester and an N-terminal cysteine in denaturing aqueous buffer to give an unmodified amide bond at the ligation junction, has given rapid synthetic access to proteins [1]. A general amide bond ligation can be modeled after native chemical ligation by attaching a removable cysteine mimic to the N-terminus of a peptide, combining thioester exchange with efficient intramolecular acyl transfer. Auxiliary assisted intramolecular acyl transfer has been used to synthesize peptides [2] and to introduce backbone protection into peptides [3]. The cysteine mimic must satisfy several requirements; easy introduction to the peptide, ligation comparable to cysteine and it must leave a native amide bond.
Critique of current theories of corneal hydration control.

Abstract The abilities of several current theories of corneal hydration control to explain some aspects of in vivo corneal behavior are examined. The theories are those based on active endothelial transport of water, solute or isotonic solution from the stroma to the anterior chamber, and a theory in which no such pump is postulated but which relies heavily on the unsteady character of corneal dynamics to explain how the normal corneal thickness is attained. The corneal phenomena to be explained are selected because they differentiate among the theories and include the effects of artificial endothelia and epithelia, and of changes in tear tonicity. None of the hydration control theories definitively explain all the corneal responses examined. It is concluded that (i) transepithelial water flow and corneal unsteadiness are essential features of any realistic description of corneal behavior; (ii) additional computational capability must be developed before the theory which contains these features can be completely evaluated; and (iii) a synthesis of these theories, in which a fundamentally unsteady cornea possesses an endothelial pump, is not unreasonable.
Position determination using generalized multidirectional gradient codes

With the assumptions that P1 is a subpicture of P2 (in particular, P2 covers a much larger area than P1), and P1, P2 are contour maps each characterized by a set of magnitudes at regularly spaced discrete points over a rectangular area, a method of determining the possible location of P1 in P2 is described. The method is based on first deriving generalized multidirectional gradient or conjugate-gradient codes for P1; a contour map for P2 having the magnitude (c*) of the center point of P1 as one of the isopleth values is then generated. For each point on all c*-isopleths, a 2-level classifier is used for determining the possible location of P1 in P2.
OMNEX Surgical Sealant in the Extracorporeal Repair of Renal Artery Aneurysms

OMNEX (Ethicon, Inc.; Somerville, NJ) is a cyanoacrylate-based synthetic surgical sealant. To date, the use of OMNEX has only been described in a limited number of vascular surgery procedures. We present the cases of two patients who underwent successful extracorporeal renal artery aneurysm repair with the aid of OMNEX sealant. This report is the first evidence to suggest the utility of OMNEX in renovascular surgery.
Tumor perfusion studies using fast magnetic resonance imaging technique in advanced cervical cancer : A new noninvasive predictive assay

Abstract Purpose: This study investigated sequential changes in tumor blood supply using magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion imaging and assessed their significance in the prediction of outcome of patients with advanced cervical cancer. The purpose of this project was to devise a simple, noninvasive method to predict early signs of treatment failure in advanced cervical cancer treated with conventional radiation therapy. Methods and Materials: Sixty-eight MR perfusion studies were performed prospectively in 17 patients with squamous carcinomas (14) and adenocarcinomas (3) of the cervix, Stages bulky IB (1), IIB (5), IIIA (1), IIIB (8), and IVA (1), and recurrent (1). Four sequential studies were obtained in each patient: immediately before radiation therapy (pretherapy), after a dose of 20–22 Gy/∼2 weeks (early therapy), after a dose of 40–45 Gy/∼4–5 weeks (midtherapy), and 4–6 weeks after completion of therapy (follow-up). Perfusion imaging of the tumor was obtained at 3-s intervals in the sagittal plane. A bolus of 0.1 mmol/kg of MR contrast material (gadoteridol) was injected intravenously 30 s after beginning image acquisition at a rate of 9 ml/s using a power injector. Time/signal-intensity curves to reflect the onset, slope, and relative signal intensity (rSI) of contrast enhancement in the tumor region were generated. Median follow-up was 8 months (range 3–18 months). Results: Tumors with a higher tissue perfusion (rSI ≥ 2.8) in the pretherapy and early therapy (20–22 Gy) studies had a lower incidence of local recurrence than those with a rSI of p = 0.05). An increase in tumor perfusion early during therapy (20–22 Gy), particularly to an rSI of ≥ 2.8, was the strongest predictor of local recurrence (0% vs. 78%; p = 0.002). However, pelvic examination during early therapy (20–22 Gy) commonly showed no appreciable tumor regression. The slope of the time/signal-intensity curve obtained before and during radiation therapy also correlated with local recurrence. Follow-up perfusion studies did not provide information to predict recurrence. Conclusion: These preliminary results suggest that two simple MR perfusion studies before and early in therapy can offer important information on treatment outcome within the first 2 weeks of radiation therapy before response is evident by clinical examination. Highg tumor perfusion before therapy and increasing or persistent high perfusion early during the course of therapy appear to be favorable signs. High perfusion suggests a high blood and oxygen supply to the tumor. The increase in tumor perfusion seen in some patients early during radiation therapy suggests improved oxygenation of previously hypoxic cells following early cell kill. Radiation tehrapy is more effective in eradicating these tumors, resulting in improved local control. Our technique may be helpful in identifying early —while more aggressive therapy can still be implemented—those patients who respond poorly to conventional radiation therapy.
Mesenchymal factor bone morphogenetic protein 4 restricts ductal budding and branching morphogenesis in the developing prostate.

The budding of the urogenital sinus epithelium into the surrounding mesenchyme signals the onset of prostate morphogenesis. The epithelial and mesenchymal factors that regulate ductal budding and the ensuing process of ductal growth and branching are not fully known. We provide evidence that bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) is a mesenchymal factor that regulates ductal morphogenesis. The Bmp4 gene was most highly expressed in the male urogenital sinus from embryonic day 14 through birth, a period marked by formation of main prostatic ducts and initiation of ductal branching. From an initial wide distribution throughout the prostatic anlage of the urogenital sinus, Bmp4 expression became progressively restricted to the mesenchyme immediately surrounding the nascent prostatic ducts and branches. Exogenous BMP4 inhibited epithelial cell proliferation and exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of ductal budding in urogenital sinus tissues cultured in vitro. Adult Bmp4 haploinsufficient mice exhibited an increased number of duct tips in both the ventral prostate and coagulating gland. Taken together, our data indicate that BMP4 is a urogenital sinus mesenchymal factor that restricts prostate ductal budding and branching morphogenesis.
Note on the fundamental solution of 286-1286-1286-1

Die Grundlosung der Differentialgleichungwy vv +y ww =0 wird untersucht. Integraldarstellungen von Losungen, die eine Singularitat im Bereichw>0 besitzen und in einer besonderen Art in den Bereichw,0 fortsetzbar sind, werden gegeben. Die Singularitat furw=0 kommt dabei als ein Spezialfall heraus. Die Reihenentwicklung des singularen Teiles der Grundlosung wird aus der Integraldarstellung abgeleitet, und der Charakter der logarithmischen Singularitat furw=0 wird dadurch gezeigt. Diese Resultate finden ihre Anwendung in der Theorie der schallnahen Potentialstromung.
PHOTOSENSITIZATION VIA CHARGE TRANSFER OR REVERSIBLE ELECTRON TRANSFER. OXIRANE ISOMERIZATION AND SULFUR DIOXIDE EXTRUSION

— N, N, N′ N′-Tetramethylbenzidine (NTMB) photosensitizes the cis-trans isomerization of stilbene oxiranes (SO) and the extrusion of SO2 from dibenzyl sulfone (DBS). In acetonitrile solution it is found that in the absence of SO or DBS, singlet NTMB undergoes three processes: intersystem crossing to triplet NTMB (φISC= 0.63, kISC= 6.3 × 107s-1), fluorescence (φf= 0.30, kf= 3 × 107s-1), and formation of a cation by electron ejection (φion= 0.09). Both singlet and triplet sensitization are observed. A charge transfer or reversible electron transfer mechanism is proposed to explain the results.
Erbb2 suppresses DNA damage-induced checkpoint activation and UV-induced mouse skin tumorigenesis.

The Erbb2 receptor is activated by UV irradiation, the primary cause of non-melanoma skin cancer. We hypothesized that Erbb2 activation contributes to UV-induced skin tumorigenesis by suppressing cell cycle arrest. Consistent with this hypothesis, inhibition of Erbb2 in v-rasHa transgenic mice before UV exposure resulted in both 56% fewer skin tumors and tumors that were 70% smaller. Inhibition of the UV-induced activation of Erbb2 also resulted in milder epidermal hyperplasia, S-phase accumulation, and decreased levels of the cell cycle regulator Cdc25a, suggesting altered cell cycle regulation on inhibition of Erbb2. Further investigation using inhibition or genetic deletion of Erbb2 in vitro revealed reduced Cdc25a levels and increased S-phase arrest in UV-irradiated cells lacking Erbb2 activity. Ectopic expression of Cdc25a prevented UV-induced S-phase arrest in keratinocytes lacking Erbb2 activity, demonstrating that maintenance of Cdc25a by Erbb2 suppresses cell cycle arrest. Examination of checkpoint pathway activation upstream of Cdc25a revealed Erbb2 activation did not alter Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3-related/Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated activity but increased inhibitory phosphorylation of Chk1-Ser280. Since Akt phosphorylates Chk1-Ser280, the effect of Erbb2 on phosphatidyl inositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling during UV-induced cell cycle arrest was determined. Erbb2 ablation reduced the UV-induced activation of PI3K while inhibition of PI3K/Akt increased UV-induced S-phase arrest. Thus, UV-induced Erbb2 activation increases skin tumorigenesis through inhibitory phosphorylation of Chk1, Cdc25a maintenance, and suppression of S-phase arrest via a PI3K/Akt-dependent mechanism.
Resistance of concrete protected by fabric to projectile impact

Abstract This paper reports on impact behavior of concrete panels protected by Polypropylene and Zylon fabric, respectively. Concrete panels were cast with different thickness and subjected to impact by a steel projectile. The initial and residual velocities were measured experimentally and the energy absorbed by the different concrete panels with and without fabric was calculated. All concrete panels were able to absorb almost all the kinetic energy of the projectiles. For concrete panels protected by fabric scabbing of concrete from the back face was considerably reduced and the debris contained by the fabric. Upper and lower bounds are proposed for energy absorbed per unit thickness and penetration results are compared with the available empirical formulas. It is shown that current penetration equations do not accurately predict impact parameters for concrete protected by fabric.
Acute ethanol pretreatment increases FAS-mediated liver injury in mice: role of oxidative stress and CYP2E1-dependent and -independent pathways.

Abstract This study evaluated whether acute ethanol pretreatment potentiates Fas-mediated liver injury and if oxidative stress and CYP2E1 play a role in any enhanced hepatotoxicity. There were 3-fold increases of transaminases and more extensive apoptotic necrosis of hepatocytes and focal hemorrhages of the hepatic lobule in mice treated with Jo2 Fas agonistic antibody plus ethanol compared to saline control or to mice treated with Jo2 or ethanol alone. CYP2E1 catalytic activity and protein were increased 2-fold by the acute ethanol pretreatment. There were 2- and 2.5-fold increases of caspase-8 and caspase-3 activity and 1.6-fold increases of apoptotic-positive cells in the Jo2 plus acute ethanol group compared to the Jo2 alone group. Levels of TNF-α, malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal, protein carbonyl formation, 3-nitrotyrosine protein adducts, and inducible nitric oxide synthase were increased in the Jo2 plus ethanol group. The enhanced hepatotoxicity of Jo2 plus ethanol and the elevated oxidative stress and TNF levels were lower in CYP2E1 knockout mice compared to wild-type mice expressing CYP2E1 but higher than saline controls. Toxicity also declined in mice treated with gadolinium chloride, an inhibitor of the inducible nitric oxide synthase or the antioxidant, N-acetyl-L-cysteine. These data indicate that acute ethanol pretreatment is capable of elevating hepatic apoptosis and liver injury induced by Jo2 Fas agonistic antibody. The enhanced hepatotoxicity involves increased oxidative and nitrosative stress, and appears to be mediated by CYP2E1-dependent and also CYP2E1-independent mechanisms.
Leptin and ghrelin in relation to Helicobacter pylori status in adult males.

Context: Leptin and ghrelin, hormones involved in human energy homeostasis, are both produced in the stomach. Objective: We sought to determine whether the presence of Helicobacter pylori affects gastric and systemic levels of leptin and ghrelin. Design, Setting, and Patients: We consecutively enrolled 256 patients referred for upper endoscopy at a Veterans Affairs outpatient endoscopy center. Outcomes: We obtained fasting serum, fundic and antral biopsies, and gastric juice. Based on histological, biochemical, and serological assays, patients were categorized as H. pylori+ or H. pylori−. Leptin and total ghrelin levels in serum, gastric biopsies, and gastric juice were determined by specific ELISAs. Results: Of the 256 subjects, 120 were H. pylori+ and 96 were H. pylori−; 40 patients of indeterminate status were excluded. Serum and fundic leptin levels correlated with body mass index in the H. pylori+ (r = 0.35; P < 0.0001 and r = 0.35; P < 0.0001, respectively) and H. pylori− (r = 0.65; P < 0.0001 and r...
Electron micrographs of plant fibers

Abstract Cell walls of ramie, cotton, flax, sisal and wood have been examined with the electron microscope. The Waring Blendor splits the fibers succesfully and yields sections exhibiting an unaltered natural texture. In all these fibers, the cellulose consists of completely individualized micro-fibrils having a thickness of from ca 250–400 A. In primary walls the micro-fibrils are intertwined to form a network, while in secondary walls they have a common direction and thus are arranged in a more or less parallel manner. Non-cellulose substances, such as lignin, pectin, wax and hemicellulose, are embedded between such fibrils and can be extracted from the cell walls to leave the fibrils undisturbed. Cellulose and non-cellulose each form an independent system.
Plasma adiabatic lapse rate.

The plasma analog of an adiabatic lapse rate (or temperature variation with height) in atmospheric physics is obtained. A new source of plasma temperature gradient in a binary ion species mixture is found that is proportional to the concentration gradient $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightharpoonup}}{\ensuremath{\nabla}}\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and difference in average ionization states ${Z}_{2}\ensuremath{-}{Z}_{1}$. Application to inertial-confinement-fusion implosions indicates a potentially strong effect in plastic (CH) ablators that is not modeled with mainline (single-fluid) simulations. An associated plasma thermodiffusion coefficient is derived, and charge-state diffusion in a single-species plasma is also predicted.
Memory Bias for Threat in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: The Potential Importance of Stimulus Relevance

Information processing models propose that anxious individuals are characterized by memory biases for mood-congruent threat information. However, evidence for memory biases in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) has been mixed at best. Given the heterogeneity of concerns in GAD, previous use of nomothetic stimulus sets may have precluded detection of memory biases. Therefore, in order to guarantee the relevance of the stimuli used, in the current study individuals with GAD each individually selected words that were of personal relevance to them. Using these idiographically selected words with 23 individuals with DSM-IV GAD and 23 non-anxious controls (NACs), results showed an implicit memory bias for threat words in individuals with GAD compared with NACs. Furthermore, there was additional evidence that individuals with GAD may also be characterized by explicit memory bias for threat words. The magnitude of group differences for explicit recall of threat words was similar to those previously observed in panic disorder. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Head Injury in Snowboarding: Evaluating the Protective Role of Helmets

According to a 1999 report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, head injuries represent approximately 14 % of all skiing and snowboarding injuries. In a recent retrospective study of patients treated for snowboarding-related head injuries, Nakaguchi and Tsutsumi (2002) found that major head injuries were most often associated with backward falls (68 %) resulting in occipital impacts (66 % of falls) occurring on a gentle or moderate slope. They concluded that the majority of severe snowboarding head injuries were caused by the “opposite-edge phenomenon” where the snowboarder falls backward and contacts the occiput. In order to determine if the use of skiing helmets would reduce the likelihood of head injury associated with catching an edge snowboarding, we conducted a two-part study. In the first part, we measured the speeds of over 180 snowboarders on beginner and intermediate slopes at Mammoth, CA. Across all locations at the resort, the average speeds of beginner and intermediate snowboarders were 17.7 kph (11.0 mph) and 31.9 kph (19.8 mph), respectively. In the second part of the study, we used an instrumented 50th percentile male Hybrid III anthropomorphic test device (ATD) to determine the head accelerations and neck loads associated with a backward fall onto the occiput, both with and without wearing a helmet. For these tests, the ATD was fitted with snowboarding equipment and accelerated to the speeds associated with an intermediate snowboarder (as measured in the first part of the study). Once the ATD was at speed, the snowboard was snubbed on the back edge, simulating the “opposite-edge phenomena” and the posterior aspect of the ATD head was propelled toward the snow surface or a simulated tree. Film analysis of the ATD fall kinematics demonstrated a rapid transition to whole-body angular motion at opposite edge catch. The use of a helmet reduced substantially the linear accelerations and head injury criterion associated with head-to-ground contact on hard, icy snow and during the simulated tree contact. Also, the neck loads were reduced modestly with helmet use. These findings indicate that helmets can mitigate head-to-ground contact severity associated with a common snowboarding fall scenario, the “opposite-edge-phenomenon.”
Further Investigations Involving Rook Polynomials With Only Real Zeros

We study the zeros of two families of polynomials related to rook theory and matchings in graphs. One of these families is based on the cover polynomial of a digraph introduced by Chung and Graham . Another involves a version of the `hit polynomial? of rook theory, but which applies to weighted matchings in (non-bipartite) graphs. For both of these families we prove a result which is analogous to a theorem of the author, K. Ono, and D. G. Wagner, namely that for Ferrers boards the hit polynomial has only real zeros. We also show that for each of these families there is a general conjecture involving arrays of numbers satisfying inequalities which contains these theorems as special cases. We provide evidence for the truth of these conjectures by proving other special cases and discussing computational experiments.
Sensitive detection of grapevine virus A, B, or leafroll-associated III from viruliferous mealybugs and infected tissue by cDNA amplification

DNA primers specific for grapevine virus A (GVA), grapevine virus B (GVB) or grapevine leafroll-associated virus III (GLRaV-III) were constructed based on the nucleotide sequence of a segment of each viral genome. DNA primers were utilized for cDNA synthesis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a 430 bp fragment from extracts of GVA-infected grapevine tissue or viruliferous mealybugs and 450 bp and 340 bp DNA fragments from extracts of GVB and GLRaV-III-infected grapevine tissues, respectively. The amplified DNA fragment of each virus was identified by Southern hybridization analysis with a cRNA probe of cloned viral genome. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, immunocapture (IC)-RT-PCR and/or multiplex (M)-RT-PCR assays were developed for the detection of GVA, GVB, and/or GLRaV-III in extracts of infected grapevine leaves, dormant cuttings and/or in viruliferous mealybugs. Viral specific DNA was absent from amplified extracts of uninfected grapevine tissue or nonviruliferious mealybugs. IC-RT-PCR was easier to perform than RT-PCR for the detection of GVA from viruliferous mealybugs. M-RT-PCR was easier and faster than IC-RT-PCR for the detection of GLRaV-III from infected grapevine tissue and it allows the sensitive detection of GVB, for which a high titer antiserum is not yet available.
The differentiation of leaf frog melanophores in culture.

Abstract During early larval development of mexican leaf frog, Pachymedusa dacnicolor , dermal melanophores are typically black, but a few brown melanophores appear about stage 18. During metamorphic climax brown melanophores begin to dominate and by stage 23 they are the exclusive type. The synthesis of the pigment, a red pteridine-dimer, occurred in the melanophores of organ-cultured back skin isolated from tadpoles. The development of this pigmentation in organ culture was independent of thyroxine at least after the onset of metamorphic climax (stage 19). Isolated melanophores in cell culture conditions proliferated only in the presence of MSH, but even these proliferating melanophores, if derived from larvae of stage 21 or younger, showed no indication of pterorhodin synthesis. Melanophores derived from a stage 22 larva and cultured for 18 days synthesized and deposited pterorhodin.
Estrogenic effects of phenol red on rat pituitary cell responsiveness to gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

This study investigated whether phenolsulfonphtalein (PR), a common pH indicator in tissue culture media, affects luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion from rat pituitary cells or 17β-estradiol (E2) augmentation of pituitary responsiveness to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). PR enhanced GnRH-stimulated LH secretion and shifted the GnRH dose-response curve leftward with a relative potency ratio of 0.24 ± 0.09 (± SE; p < 0.01). The effect of E2 on LH release was significantly diminished by PR, which elevated GnRH-stimulated LH secretion in the absence of E2. This phenomenon was elicited by PR from different sources and was inhibited by the antiestrogen C1628. Thus, PR exerted estrogen-like effects on rat pituitary cells and caused an underestimation of the degree to which E2 enhanced GnRH-stimulated LH secretion.
Generous reading: Discovering dialogic voices in writing

This paper describes an approach to the assessment of EAL written composition in the primary school. It draws upon related work in literacy as social practice and socio-linguistic approaches to language learning to develop an approach to writing assessment that builds upon students’ linguistic strengths and traces their written words to sources in the immediate context and wider world. Following Joseph Tobin (2000) this approach is described as generous reading. Generous reading references poststructuralist literary theory through a focus on close reading of texts using a multidisciplinary approach. This paper describes the purpose, theory, and methods for generous reading followed by examples and a discussion of implications for instruction and assessment.
Friction between cellulose surfaces measured with colloidal probe microscopy

Abstract Colloidal probe microscopy was employed to study sliding friction between model cellulose surfaces in aqueous solutions. Regardless of scan size, friction exhibits irregular stick–slip behavior related to surface roughness. At small scan sizes (∼10 nm), the coefficient of friction decreases with increasing load. Above a critical scan size of about 100 nm — corresponding to the average size of asperities on one of the model surfaces — friction forces are independent of scan size, but depend on the load. Hydrodynamic forces contribute little to friction. Small amounts of high molecular weight, polyelectrolytes decrease significantly sliding friction between cellulose surfaces.
The “Observing” Facet of Mindfulness Moderates Stress/Symptom Relations Only Among Meditators

Research has indicated that the “observing” facet of mindfulness fits a hierarchical factor structure in which specific facets relate to a general mindfulness factor, and correlates with well-being, only among meditators. We extended this research by testing whether observing functions differently among meditators in terms of buffering the effects of stress on distress. Participants (N = 190 including 78 meditators) completed measures of life events, mindfulness, and distress symptoms. As hypothesized, there was a significant interaction of observing × stress × meditation, such that the effect of stress on distress was smallest among meditators scoring high on observing. Additional research is needed to test alternate interpretations (e.g., self-selection of meditation as an enjoyable practice by those who can observe in an adaptive manner), but the results suggest that meditation helps people learn to observe internal and external experience in an unbiased manner lending itself to constructive coping.
100 GHz Binary counter based on DC SQUID's

A binary counter using bistable dc SQUID's as flip flop circuits is demonstrated. All of the functions: LOAD, COUNT, STORE, READ, and CLEAR can be performed. The use of single flux quantum logic results in high sensitivity (10-18J input pulse energy), high speed (100 GHz count rate) and low power (10-7W at 100 GHz count rate).
Molecular characterization of new group A streptococcal bacteriophages containing the gene for streptococcal erythrogenic toxin A (speA).

Bacteriophage T12 is the prototype phage carrying the streptococcal erythrogenic toxin A (speA) gene. To examine more closely the phages involved in lysogenic conversion, we examined 300 group A streptococcal strains, and identified and isolated two new phages that carry the speA gene. The molecular sizes of these phage genomes were between 32 and 40 kb, similar to that of phage T12 (35 kb). However, as ascertained by restriction analysis, the physical maps of the new phage genomes were different from phage T12 and from each other. Hybridization analysis also showed that all of these phages were only partially related to one another and the speA gene was always located close to the phage attachment site. Additionally, colony hybridization showed that whereas phage T12 or one of its close relatives is the most common phage associated with the group A streptococci, phage 49 has a much stronger association with the speA gene. A defective phage was also found following pulsed field gel electrophoresis of total phage DNA. This phage appears to be a resident of strain T253c and is found only following induction of a T253c lysogen. Restriction enzyme analysis of the isolated defective phage DNA suggests that it is the source of the submolar amounts of DNA previously found in association with phage T12 digestion patterns. Additionally, the defective phage may serve as the site of integration of the speA gene-carrying phages described above.
Rocketdyne FEL for power beaming using a regenerative amplifier

The Rocketdyne free-electron laser (FEL) being presently developed for operation in the visible to one-micron regime is described, with particular attention given to some of the principal optics and atmospheric propagation issues. The paper describes the system assembly and discusses the performance requirements for power beaming, the resonator design, and the basic ideas and calculations involved in the beam propagating through the atmosphere and tilt corrections. This FEL will be capable of an average output of greater than 1 kW in the near infrared. The laser system has an ability of scaling to power levels required for beaming power to space platforms.
Protein and nitrogen metabolism changes following closed head injury or cardiothoracic surgery in pediatric patients.

Objective We compared markers of protein metabolism between children who had a controlled injury and an acute traumatic event. Significant protein catabolism occurs after acute severe injury. During surgery the injury is controlled and the degree of subsequent catabolism may be blunted. Methods This was a prospective, unblinded observational study in 10 children 2 to 12 years old with a closed head injury (CHI) and an admission Physiologic Stability Index of ≥ 10 and in 10 children who underwent elective cardiothoracic surgery (CTS). Nutrient intake, nitrogen balance, serum albumin and prealbumin, urinary 3-methylhistidine excretion, and 3-methylhistidine to creatinine ratios were evaluated on days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 10 after injury. Results Nutrient intake was similar in both groups on study days 1-4 and did not meet estimated needs. By day 10, 7 patients in the CTS group and 2 patients in the CHI group had been discharged home. The 3 CTS patients were still in the ICU while the 8 hospitalized CHI patients had been transferred to the floor. Compared to the CTS group, nitrogen balance in the CHI group was lower on day 1. On day 10, nitrogen balance and prealbumin were greater in the CHI group than in the CTS group, consistent with recovery and increased nutrient intake. Conclusions Markers of protein metabolism follow similar patterns after CTS or CHI in children. However, markers of protein metabolism indicate more severe catabolism soon after injury in CHI.
The effect of temperature on the spectroscopic properties of the heme c octapeptide from cytochrome c

Abstract The effect of temperature on the optical properties of the acetylated heme c octapeptide from cytochrome c was examined. At above ambient temperatures the observed optical spectrum with maxima at 549 and 424 nm was characteristic of high-spin ferrous hemeproteins. At below ambient temperatures the optical spectrum became characteristic of low-spin ferrous hemeproteins with maxima at 547, 518, and 410 nm. A thermodynamic characterization of this two component system yielded a ΔH 0 of −10.1 ± 0.7 kcal/mol and a ΔS 0 of −37.6 ± 2.5 e.u. for the temperature dependent process. Discussion of the spectroscopic and thermodynamic parameters was presented in terms of the consistent magnetic and structural properties of heme complexes.
Contrasting successful and unsuccessful expert systems

Abstract Many Expert Systems are unsuccessful in that they are never fully implemented, or when implemented quickly fall into disuse, or are not used to the extent originally envisioned. Alternatively, some systems have become very successful, supposedly saving or generating considerable amounts of money for the organizations that developed them. This paper reports on research aimed at investigating why some Expert Systems are more successful than others. It considers four cases which describe Expert Systems developed in (or under the auspices of) two leading technological companies; two are very successful, two less so. The systems deal with problems in manufacturing scheduling, computer customer support, engineering design and commercial lending. The authors employ a factor-oriented analysis where discussions with developers were used to ascertain the importance of user motivation, software and hardware platform, project planning methods, and other factors generally considered as relevant to success. The cases reveal that six key factors differentiate the successful from the less successful applications, namely demonstrable benefits, adequate development resources, commitment to implement, rapid turnaround of users' requests, understanding and control of data, and growth in the underlying application.
Optimal and Dense Small Baseline Stereo Image Correspondence

A mesh-based approach to optimally and densely matching two epipolar row-rectified stereo images with small (even subpixel) maximal disparity is presented. It is a global matching approach that only requires specifying the size of the mesh to work with ? no search windows, regions or other such typical heuristics are needed. We show how the parameters of the ordering constrained mesh are determined in an unconstrained manner via auxiliary parameterization. We illustrate algorithm performance on a real stereo pair.
Drug Safety Surveillance in China and Other Countries: A Review and Comparison

Objectives: Drug safety and postmarketing surveillance have become important public health issues in China. This study reviews the relatively new drug safety surveillance system in China and compares it with the systems in the United States and Europe. Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted in the following four areas: 1) the organizational structure of the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) in China; 2) the development of an adverse drug reaction (ADR) monitoring system in China; 3) regulatory issues related to drug safety in China; and 4) similarities and differences between drug safety surveillance in China and surveillance in the United States and Europe. Results: The SFDA oversees an extensive network of drug safety “watchdogs,” including the China National Center for ADR Monitoring and 32 regional centers throughout China. China’s system has faced a number of recent challenges. It has had to respond quickly to the withdrawal of various high-profile drugs like Vioxx (rofecoxib) and Baycol (cerivastatin) from other markets. Together with China’s Ministry of Health, the SFDA has faced several unique drug safety events. Three of those events, involving the injectable form of the heartleaf houttuyinia herb (Yu Xing Cao), Armillarisni A injections, and clindamycin glucose infusions (Xinfu), are discussed. The rapid development of drug safety surveillance in China is manifested in extensive organizational structure, development of large databases, and laws and regulations supporting drug safety. The two major laws are the China Drug Administration Law issued in February 2001 and the Regulation for the Administration of ADR Reporting and Monitoring issued in March 2004. The study also discusses and compares recent developments in drug safety surveillance in the United States and the European Union. These developments will most likely have implications for the Chinese system in the near future. Conclusions: While postmarketing surveillance guidelines are not yet available in China, we fully expect their eventual issuance after adaptation to the particular culture and clinical
Memory and time improvements in a dynamic programming algorithm for matching speech patterns

Recently, dynamic programming has been found useful for performing nonlinear time warping in speech recognition. Although considerably faster than exhaustive search procedures, the dynamic programming procedure nevertheless requires substantial computation. Also, considerable storage is normally required for reference prototypes necessary in the matching process. This paper is concerned with methods for reducing this storage and computation. Empirical results indicate that one method yields 50 to 60 percent storage reduction and a factor of 4 to 6 in computational savings relative to conventional dynamic programming procedures without degradation in recognition accuracy.
Microgravity and the respiratory system

The structure of the lung, with its delicate network of airspaces and capillaries, means that gravity has a profound influence on its function. Studies of lung function in the absence of gravity provide valuable insight into how, for we Earth-bound individuals, its unavoidable effects shape our lung function. Gravity causes uneven ventilation in the lung through the deformation of lung tissue (the so-called Slinky effect), and uneven perfusion through a combination of the Slinky effect and the zone model of pulmonary perfusion. Both ventilation and perfusion exhibit persisting heterogeneity in microgravity, indicating important other mechanisms. However, gravity serves to maintain a degree of matching of these two processes, so that the ventilation/perfusion ratio, and thus gas exchange, remains efficient. Therefore, while both ventilation and perfusion are more uniform in spaceflight, gas exchange is seemingly no more efficient than on Earth. Despite the changes in lung function when gravity is removed, the lung continues to function well in weightlessness. Unlike many other organ systems, the lung does not appear to undergo structural adaptive changes when gravity is removed, and so there is no apparent degradation in lung function upon return to earth, even after 6 months in space.
Developments in antivirals against influenza, smallpox and hemorrhagic fever viruses.

Introduction: The search for effective inhibitors to multiple infectious agents including influenza, smallpox and hemorrhagic fever viruses is an area of active research as many of these agents pose dramatic health and economic challenges to the human population. Many of these infectious agents are not only endemic threats in different parts of the globe, but are also considered to have the potential of being used as bioterrorism agents. Areas covered: This review focuses on inhibitors that are currently in use in the research community against specific emerging infectious agents and those that have bioterrorism potential. The paper provides information about the availability of FDA approved drugs, whenever applicable, and insights into the specific aspect of the agent life cycle that is affected by drug treatment, when known. Expert opinion: The key message that is conveyed in this review is that a combination of pathogen and host-based inhibitors may have to be used for successful control of viral repli...
The structure and adhesive mechanism of octopus suckers.

SYNOPSIS. Octopus suckers consist of a tightly packed three-dimensional array of muscle with three major muscle fiber orientations: 1) radial muscles that traverse the wall; 2) circular muscles arranged circumferentially around the sucker; and 3) meridional muscles oriented perpendicular to the circular and radial muscles. The sucker also includes inner and outer fibrous connective tissue layers and an array of crossed connective tissue fibers embedded in the musculature. Adhesion results from reducing the pressure inside the sucker cavity. This can be achieved by the three-dimensional array of muscle functioning as a muscularhydrostat. Contraction of the radial muscles thins the wall, thereby increasing the enclosed volume of the sucker. If the sucker is sealed to a surface the cohesiveness of water resists this expansion. Thus, the pressure of the enclosed water decreases instead. The meridional and circular muscles antagonize the radial muscles. The crossed connective tissue fibers may store elastic energy, providing an economical mechanism for maintaining attachment for extended periods. Measurements using miniature flush-mounted pressure transducers show that suckers can generate hydrostatic pressures below 0 kPa on wettable surfaces but cannot do so on non-wettable surfaces. Thus, cavitation, the failure of water in tension, may limit the attachment force of suckers. As depth increases, however, cavitation will cease to be limiting because ambient pressure increases with depth while the cavitation threshold is unchanged. Structural differences between suckers will then determine the attachment force.