cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Laboratory Experiment in Control/Structure Interaction

A laboratory simulation having the characteritics of a flexible spacecraft (i.e. multiple, coupled rigid-body and flexible modes) is described. Initial test results utlizing the simulator as a test bed for multivariable control law designs are presented.
Management of wheat and barley root diseases in modern farming systems

Root diseases, namely take-all and Rhizoctonia, Pythium and Fusarium root rots, are so widespread and occur so uniformly within fields of wheat and barley in the U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW) that we have come to accept these crops with these diseases as normal ‘healthy’ crops. The main reasons for the expanding range and increasing prevalence of root diseases on wheat and barley in this and many other cereal-growing areas of the world are two-fold: increased frequency of cereals in the rotation and the use of less, or no, tillage. Both trends are here to stay because of their economic advantages and environmental benefits. Managing these diseases in these modern farming systems is no small challenge since, unlike most leaf diseases of these crops, all cultivars of wheat and barley are more or less equally susceptible to all four root diseases. Through a combination of cultural practices, the severity of these diseases can at least be limited to ‘chronic’, while ‘acute’ outbreaks or what growers call ‘wrecks’, are relatively rare. These practices are timely and effective management of volunteer and grass weed hosts before planting; placement of fertiliser, especially phosphorus, beneath the seed within easy access of diseased roots; soil disturbance below the seed; trash removal from within the seed row; pairing the row for a more open canopy to favour warming and drying of soil beneath the crop residue; and the use of fresh seed and treatment of the seed with a combination of fungicides for improved seedling vigour. No equivalent effort has been made in any other crop to manage a disease complex without the benefit of host plant resistance. In spite of this, these practices, together with take-all decline, only elevate yields to about 80% of the potential as revealed by fumigated (methyl bromide) check plots. Future research must concentrate on the development of host plant resistance, including host plant resistance with transgenes.
Closing the gap on unmeasured anions

Many critically ill and injured patients, especially those with metabolic acidosis, have abnormally high levels of unmeasured anions in their blood. At the same time, such patients are prone to hypoalbuminemia, which makes the traditional anion gap calculation inaccurate. Thus, little is known about the epidemiology and clinical consequences of an excess in unmeasured anions in the blood. Indeed, even the etiology of these "missing ions" is often unclear. Unfortunately, more precise means of quantifying unmeasured anions, such as the strong ion gap (SIG), are cumbersome to use clinically. However, a simple means of correcting the anion gap can be used to estimate SIG and may provide additional insight into this common clinical problem.
A Language for Large Ensembles of Independently Executing Nodes

We address how to write programs for distributed computing systems in which the network topology can change dynamically. Examples of such systems, which we call ensembles , include programmable sensor networks (where the network topology can change due to failures in the nodes or links) and modular robotics systems (whose physical configuration can be rearranged under program control). We extend Meld [1], a logic programming language that allows an ensemble to be viewed as a single computing system. In addition to proving some key properties of the language, we have also implemented a complete compiler for Meld. It generates code for TinyOS [14] and for a Claytronics simulator [12]. We have successfully written correct, efficient, and complex programs for ensembles containing over one million nodes.
Solar cycle dependence of substorm occurrence and duration: Implications for onset

Magnetospheric substorms represent a major energy release process in Earth's magnetosphere. Their duration and intensity are coupled to solar wind input, but the precise way the solar wind energy is stored and then released is a matter of considerable debate. Part of the observational difficulty has been the gaps in the auroral electrojet index traditionally used to study substorm properties. In this study, we created a midlatitude positive bay (MPB) index to measure the strength of the substorm current wedge. Because this index is based on midlatitude magnetometer data that are available continuously over several decades, we can assemble a database of substorm onsets lasting 31 years (1982–2012). We confirmed that the MPB onsets have a good agreement (±2 min) with auroral onsets as determined by optical means on board the IMAGE mission and that the MPB signature of substorms is robust and independent of the stations' position relative to ionospheric currents. Using the MPB onset, expansion, and recovery as a proxy of the respective substorm quantities, we found that the solar cycle variation of substorm occurrence depends on solar wind conditions and has a most probable value of 80 min. In contrast, the durations of substorm expansion and recovery phases do not change with the solar cycle. This suggests that the frequency of energy unloading in the magnetosphere is controlled by solar wind conditions through dayside reconnection, but the unloading process related to flux pileup in the near-Earth region is controlled by the magnetosphere and independent of external driving.
THYROID FUNCTION, BODY TEMPERATURE REGULATION AND GROWTH IN RATS WITH HYPOTHALAMIC LESIONS1 2

Electrolytic lesions of the hypothalamus were produced in 73 male rats. When compared with 64-sham-operated controls, certain rats with lesions had thyroid inhibition (decreased I131 uptake and release rate), persistent hyperthormia, diabetes insipidus, tosticular atrophy and growth disturbance. Functional and neuroanatomical studies indicated that thyroid dysfunction, hyperthermia, diabetes insipidus and testicular atrophy were all independent consequences of localized brain injury. A temperature regulating center was localized to the pre-optic area; this partially overlapped the TSH regulating area which lies between the paraventricular nucleus and the median eminence. Gonad atrophy was caused by infundibular damage. As measured by rate of increase in body length (nose-tail) and by tibial length at death, growth was significantly impaired by certain hypothalamic lesions. No specific neural localization of the lesion responsible for poor growth could be made but it was noted that the most striking effect...
The Eddy Current Probe as a Holographic Transducer

Experimental work with the application of holography to eddy current imaging has previously been performed. This paper presents a theoretical analysis of the holographic imaging characteristics of the eddy current probe. A specially shaped probe design has been developed during this analysis for enhanced imaging performance. The phase multiplied holographic imaging process is explained and demonstrated. Experimental data are presented confirming the theoretical analysis and thus the eddy current probe as a viable holographic transducer.
Synergism of aminobisphosphonates and farnesyl transferase inhibitors on tumor metastasis

Aminobisphosphonates have shown significant antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo with selective pharmacodistribution to bone, and an established role in the treatment of malignant bone disease. Given that the mode of action of aminobisphosphonates involves decreasing the prenylation of the Rho family of proteins, through decreasing the availability of prenyl groups (farnesyl and geranylgeranyl isoprenoids), the authors sought the inhibition of Rho protein prenylation at two points, by using an aminobiphosphonate (alendronate) in conjunction with a prenyl transferase inhibitor (R115777, a specific farnesyl transferase inhibitor with limited effects in geranylgeranyl transferase). The authors show synergistic inhibition of the prenylation dependent membrane association and migratory function of Rho proteins, translating into a suppressive effect on in vitro tumor cell invasiveness and in vivo metastasis. The findings support the use of aminobisphosphonates in conjunction with farnesyl transferase inhibitors in the prevention of metastatic progression and suggest that metastatic progression is a valid end point in assessing the antitumor activity of farnesyl transferase inhibitors.
Open-source 3-D printing technologies for education

Objective3-D printing technologies have the potential to improve both Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and Career and Technical Education (CTE), as well as integrating these two educational emphases and providing opportunities for cross-curriculum engagement. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of open-source (OS) technologies in an educational setting, given the combination of economic constraints affecting all educational environments and the ability of OS design to profoundly decrease the cost of technological tools and technological innovation. MethodsThis paper reports on a 3-day workshop augmented with online instructional and visual tools designed for middle school and high school level educators from a wide array of disciplines (including traditional science, math, and engineering as well as computer, shop, and art). Teachers (n=22) submitted applications to participate in the workshop, the workshop was observed for both evaluation and research, teachers participated in focus groups (n=2) during the workshop in order to discuss their interest in OS 3-D printing technology and its potential role in their classrooms, and teachers completed a voluntary post-workshop survey and responded to follow-up after printers were in the classroom for one year. ResultsDuring the workshop teachers built 3-D printers using OS technologies that they were then able to take back to their schools and into their classrooms. ConclusionThrough workshops augmented with online instructional and visual tools designed to provide facilitated yet self-directed engagement with a new, relatively unknown, and relatively complex technology, paired teacher teams were able to successfully build and use RepRap 3-D printers based on OS design in just three days. PracticeHere, we discuss both what the teachers learned and what we learned from the teachers regarding the potential for educators to construct OS 3-D printing technologies as a tool of empowering and transformative education. ImplicationsOpen-source 3-D printing technologies have the potential to improve education through a sense of empowerment resulting from active participation, as well as through cross-curriculum engagement. Display Omitted Open-source 3D printing provides a cost efficient means of STEM education.These technologies can also empower student-driven engaged learning.Report on workshop for science educators to build 3D printers for their classes.Teacher workshop augmented with online instructional and visual tools.Results indicate transformative potential of these technologies in the classroom.
Radiology image interpretation system: modified observer performance study of an image interpretation expert system.

Application of computer-based expert systems to diagnostic medical problems has been described in many areas including clinical diagnosis and radiology. Expert systems are computer programs that contain encoded expert knowledge to provide expert advice. A modified observer-performance study was done comparing the efficacy of the Radiology Image Interpretation System (RIIS), an expert system that diagnoses focal bone abnormalities, and radiology residents on a known set of 44 abnormal and 10 normal cases. Modified receiver operating characteristic curves for four inexperienced residents, five experienced residents, and RIIS were generated using the set of known radiographs. The true-positive rates of RIIS and the residents at false-positive rates of 0.05, 0.15, and 0.20 were estimated using the modified receiver operating characteristics curve and were compared using a pairedt test. On the average, the RIIS system was less accurate when compared with experienced and inexperienced residents but the difference was only significant for experienced residents at a false-positive rate of 0.05. RIIS performed better than inexperienced residents when RIIS was used by experienced residents but this difference was not significant.
HAMILTONIAN CYCLES AND ROPE LENGTHS OF CONWAY ALGEBRAIC KNOTS

For a knot or link K, let L(K) denote the rope length of K and let Cr(K) denote the crossing number of K. An important problem in geometric knot theory concerns the bound on L(K) in terms of Cr(K). It is well-known that there exist positive constants c1, c2 such that for any knot or link K, c1 · (Cr(K))3/4 ≤ L(K) ≤ c2 · (Cr(K))3/2. It is also known that for any real number p such that 3/4 ≤ p ≤ 1, there exists a family of knots {Kn} with the property that Cr(Kn) → ∞ (as n → ∞) such that L(Kn) = O(Cr(Kn)p). However, it is still an open question whether there exists a family of knots {Kn} with the property that Cr(Kn) → ∞ (as n → ∞) such that L(Kn) = O(Cr(Kn)p) for some 1 < p ≤ 3/2. In this paper, we show that there are many families of prime alternating Conway algebraic knots {Kn} with the property that Cr(Kn) → ∞ (as n → ∞) such that L(Kn) can grow no faster than linearly with respect to Cr(Kn).
Low temperature magnetic and thermal properties of Ce(CF3SO3)3·9H2O

Abstract Ce(CF3SO3)3·9H20 or CeTFMS forms hexagonal crystals structurally similar to those of Ce(C2H5SO4)3·9H20 or CeES. We have measured the magnetic susceptibilities of CeTFMS between ∼0.09 K to 20 K and the heat capacity Cp from ∼0.9 K to 70 K. We find that the Ce3+ground state is a Kramers doublet |J = 5 2 ; J z = ± 5 2 ) with g ∥ = 3.78 and g ϵ κ0 separated from a second doublet by an energy Δ/k = 20.6 K. The spin-spin interaction is primarily magnetic dipolar. The effects of spin-lattice coupling, so important in CeES with ΔA/k = 7 K, are reduced by the larger Δ in CeTFMS.
Analysis of RNA-protein interactions by a microplate-based fluorescence anisotropy assay

Quantitative studies of RNA-protein interactions are quite cumbersome using traditional methods. We developed a rapid microplate-based fluorescence anisotropy (FA)/fluorescence polarization assay that works well, even with RNA probes >90 nucleotides long. We analyzed binding of RNA targets by vigilin/DDP1/SCP160p and by c-myc coding region instability determinant (CRD) binding protein, CRD-BP. Vigilin is essential for cell viability and functions in heterochromatin formation and mRNA decay. The CRD-BP stabilizes c-myc mRNA. Vigilin bound to a vitellogenin mRNA 3'-UTR probe with a two to three-fold lower affinity than to a Drosophila dodecasatellite ssDNA binding site and bound to the c-myc CRD with a two- to three-fold lower affinity than to the vitellogenin mRNA 3'-UTR. Competition between vigilin and CRD-BP for binding to the CRD may therefore play a role in regulating c-myc mRNA degradation. We analyzed suitability of the microplate-based FA assay for high-throughput screening for small-molecule regulators of RNA-protein interactions. The assay exhibits high reproducibility and precision and works well in 384-well plates and in 5 microl to 20 microl samples. To demonstrate the potential of this assay for screening libraries of small molecules to identify novel regulators of RNA-protein interactions, we identified neomycin and H33342 as inhibitors of binding of vigilin to the vitellogenin mRNA 3'-UTR.
Localization of Adenyl Cyclase in Meristems of Young Pea Hypocotyls

Electron micrographs of Pisum sativum L. hypocotyl tips treated to localize adenyl cyclase revealed discrete deposits on the internal membranes of cytoplasmic vacuoles which correspond to previously localized enzymes described as acid phosphatases. It remains to be determined whether the specificity of the substrate, adenylyl-imidodiphosphate, used in the present study is such as to exclude all phosphatase activity other than adenyl cyclase. The acid phosphatase localized in earlier studies by other investigators may be an adenyl cyclase. In the differentiated cells of the root cap, lead precipitate was localized in distinct areas bound to the smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
The optimal exponent base for emPAI is 6.5.

Exponentially Modified Protein Abundance Index (emPAI) is an established method of estimating protein abundances from peptide counts in a single LC-MS/MS experiment. EmPAI is defined as 10PAI minus one, where PAI (Protein Abundance Index) denotes the ratio of observed to observable peptides. EmPAI was first proposed by Ishihama et al [1] who found that PAI is approximately proportional to the logarithm of absolute protein concentration. I define emPAI65 = 6.5PAI-1 and show that it performs significantly better than emPAI, while it is equally easy to compute. The higher accuracy of emPAI65 is demonstrated by analyzing three data sets, including the one used in the original study [1]. I conclude that emPAI65 ought to be used instead of the original emPAI for protein quantitation.
Protecting health, facilitating trade, or both?

: The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) has existed and dealt with trade issues since 1947. However, to take on the question of to what extent can we set fair and science-based rules allowing countries to have the sovereign right to set measures for protecting public, animal and plant health and food safety, while not creating unjustified barriers to trade was the challenge of the Uruguay Round negotiators. The outcome of this seven-year exercise was the SPS agreement discussed here. A number of key issues are addressed: transparency including notification, special and differential treatment for developing countries, harmonization, equivalence, regionalization, risk analysis, and other matters. Early warning and exposure of these issues has encouraged countries to resolve their problems quickly. Some of the issues that should be taken into consideration during this next round are the following: biotechnology, aquaculture, consumer concerns, animal welfare, the environment, organic foods, morality in trade, compliance with the WTO, compensation, and the precautionary principle. Compliance with the decision of the WTO is an area of grave concern, especially if developed and powerful countries continue to threaten the survival of the WTO system through lengthy and costly legal interpretations and appeals of dispute settlements without serious efforts by all parties to find win-win solutions. In spite of these problems, over all we must recognize the significant gains in trade thanks to the SPS agreement. The most flagrant trade violations have been eliminated as a result of improved transparency in the process. Consumers are in general better off, since they have greater diversity and increased safety in what they can buy.
Experimental results for matched filter construction and correlation with a single curved element

We demonstrate in the laboratory the construction and correlation of a matched filter correlator using only a single curved element. Previously we demonstrated a correlator that uses a converging reference beam for constructing a matched filter so that when performing correlation, the correlator does not require a lens for taking the inverse Fourier transform. This paper demonstrates an extension in which we use a diverging beam from a laser diode for constructing the hologram in order to avoid a lens for generating a converging beam. The matched filter is turned upside down and reversed for use in the correlator.
Jules-Rosette Bennetta. The Message of Tourist Art, An African Semiotic System in Comparative Perspective , “Topics in Contemporary Semiotics.” New York and London: Plenum Press, 1984. pp. xviii + 266.

1. Image Creators and Image Consumers.- 2. Art Markets, Images, and Commercialization.- 3. Cottage Industries in Tourist Art.- 4. Working with Clay.- 5. Handmade in Kenya.- 6. The New Figuratism.- 7. Processual Variation in Tourist Art.- 8. The Consumer Connection.- 9. The Messages of Tourist Art.- References.
Innovative construction technology for affordable mass housing in Tanzania, East Africa

Building affordable housing with adequate structural safety is very important in the developing world. New technology, specifically the Terra Block Fabricator, has the advantage of using local soil and labour to create high quality building blocks. An interesting country in which to examine the potential of this technology is Tanzania because it has had a fascinating history of evolving democratically from socialism to a market economy. Using environmentally appropriate technology can energize local sustainable economic growth by stimulating market demand for improved housing and raising the standard of living in low‐income countries.
Random Per-Element Luminance Modulation for Improved Visual Tracking

Using random per-element luminance modulation can increase the visual salience of details in a range of visualizations (2D, 3D, and ND scalar, vector, and tensor fields). Although random luminance has been used in specific designs, its wide applicability isn't reflected in visualizations, perhaps because it hasn't yet been presented as a cross-cutting technique. Adding random-luminance contrast can benefit both static and animated visualizations. The article presents perceptual reasons for this technique's effectiveness. This article has two accompanying videos, at http://youtu.be/TTaSFMvBgvg and http://youtu.be/Rx1oPMTpPA4, showing animations of cones moving through a weather simulation, with and without random luminance modulation.
Across- and within-channel envelope interactions in cochlear implant listeners.

The effects of modulated maskers on detection thresholds of a 50-Hz sinusoidal amplitude modulation (SAM) in a signal carrier were measured in nine cochlear implant (CI) listeners as a function of masker envelope type and for different masker–signal electrode separations. Both signal and masker were 200-ms-long pulse trains, presented concurrently in an interleaved stimulation mode. Masker envelopes were SAM at 20, 50, (0- and π-phase re: the signal modulator), and 125 Hz, as well as noise amplitude modulated (NAM), all with a fixed 20% modulation depth. Comparisons were made against steady-state maskers that had an amplitude equal to the mean amplitude of the modulated maskers or to their peak amplitude (SSpeak). Modulation thresholds were larger in the presence of the dynamic maskers versus the SSpeak maskers; however, there was significant intersubject variability in the pattern of results. Effects of relative phase between masker and signal were not consistent across subjects. Envelope masking (the dB difference in modulation detection thresholds between modulated and SSpeak maskers) was generally larger for the lower-modulation-frequency maskers than the 125-Hz masker. The spatial distribution of masked modulation detection thresholds was found to be considerably different from spatial forward-masking patterns obtained in the same subjects. Finally, modulation thresholds measured for a very wide separation between the masker and signal showed significant envelope masking. These results suggest that, as has been shown in acoustic stimulation, central, across-channel temporal processing mechanisms also occur in electrical stimulation.
A mycosis of the blood-sucking snipe fly symphoromyia hirta caused by Erynia ithacensis sp.n. (Entomophthoraceae)

A mycosis was detected in Symphoromyia hirta (Diptera: Rhagionidae) collected near Ithaca, New York. Other dipterous victims of the disease included Rhagio mystaceus and Empis obesa. Afflicted flies, found on the under surfaces of leaves of woody plants, were affixed to the substrate by rhizoids. The pathogen formed both resting spores and conidia on the exterior of the cadavers. It grew rapidly and sporulated abundantly in culture. Attempts to induce infections in Musca domestica and Aedes aegypti were unsuccessful. The pathogen Erynia ithacensis sp. n. forms resting spores that are incised with very irregular ridges. This characteristic serves to separate it from other dipterophilic species of Erynia.
Demographic differences between consenters and non-consenters in an obstetric anesthesiology clinical study.

Abstract Willingness to participate in obstetric anesthesiology clinical studies may be influenced by age, parity or ethnicity. This study was designed to determine whether there were demographic differences between consenters and non-consenters in a minimum local analgesic concentration clinical study. Four hundred and fifty-two women were approached for the study and the age, ethnicity and parity of patients who consented or declined to participate were collected. Ethnicity was categorized as Asian or Pacific Islander, black, Hispanic, white, or other. Parametric data were analyzed using t-tests and non-parametric data using χ 2 tests. There were no significant differences in the consent rate based on age or parity. Black Americans were more likely to consent than Asian Americans ( P
Pain management in the emergency department and its relationship to patient satisfaction.

Background : Pain is the most common reason due to which patients come to the emergency department (ED). Aim : The purpose of this study was to measure the correlation, if any, between pain reduction and the level of satisfaction in patients who presented to the ED with pain as their chief complaint. Materials and Methods : This study used a randomly selected group of patients who presented to the ED with pain of 4 or more on the Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS) as their chief complaint to a level one adult and pediatric trauma center. Instruments that were used in this study were the VAS, Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and the Medical Interview Satisfaction Scale (MISS). They were administered to patients by research fellows in the treatment rooms. Statistical analysis included frequencies, descriptive, and linear regression. This study was approved by the Internal Review Board. Results : A total of 159 patients were enrolled in the study. All patients were given some type of treatment for their pain upon arrival to the ED. A logistic regression showed a significant relationship to reduction in pain by 40% or more and customer service questions. Conclusions : A reduction in perceived pain levels does directly relate to several indicators of customer service. Patients who experienced pain relief during their stay in the ED had significant increases in distress relief, rapport with their doctor, and intent to comply with given instructions.
Differential Regulation of High Glucose–Induced Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Nuclear Accumulation in Müller Cells by IL-1β and IL-6

Purpose This study determined the role of the proinflammatory cytokines known to be elevated in the diabetic retina, namely IL-1beta, TNFalpha, and IL-6, in a high glucose-induced nuclear accumulation of GAPDH in retinal Muller cells, an event considered crucial for the induction of cell death. Methods With use of the transformed rat Muller cell line (rMC-1) and isolated human Muller cells (HMCs), the authors examined the effect of high glucose (25 mM), IL-1beta, TNFalpha, IL-6, and high glucose (25 mM) plus inhibitors of the caspase-1/IL-1beta signaling pathway on GAPDH nuclear accumulation, which was evaluated by immunofluorescence analysis. Results High glucose induced IL-1beta, weak IL-6, and no TNFalpha production by rMC-1 and HMCs. IL-1beta (1-10 ng/mL) significantly increased GAPDH nuclear accumulation in Muller cells in a concentration-dependent manner within 24 hours. Further, high glucose-induced GAPDH nuclear accumulation in Muller cells was mediated by IL-1beta. Inhibition of the IL-1 receptor using an IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra; 50 ng/mL) or inhibition of IL-1beta production using a specific caspase-1 inhibitor (YVAD-fmk; 100 microM) significantly decreased high glucose-induced GAPDH nuclear accumulation. In contrast, IL-6 (2 ng/mL) had a strong protective effect attenuating high glucose and IL-1beta-induced GAPDH nuclear accumulation in Muller cells. TNFalpha (1-10 ng/mL) did not have any effect on GAPDH nuclear accumulation. Conclusions These results revealed a novel mechanism for high glucose-induced GAPDH nuclear accumulation in Muller cells through production and autocrine stimulation by IL-1beta. The protective role of IL-6 in high glucose- and IL-1beta-induced toxicity indicates that changes in the balance of these cytokines might contribute to cellular damage mediated by elevated glucose levels.
Effects of simulated acid rain on extractable and leached cations of a lexington silt loam

Abstract Soil cores were collected to a depth of 15.2 cm from a Lexington silt loam. Simulated precipitation at pH values of 3.7, 4.7, and 5.7 were applied to the soil cores in increments of 500 mL day−1 until volumes approximated 10, 20, 40, and 80 years (14, 28, 56, and 112 L, respectively) of effective rainfall in Louisiana. Extractable cations including K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn were measured from 2.5 cm sections of the soil cores after treatment. The extractable cations were affected by the treatments to a depth of 5.1 to 7.6 cm. The soil surface was depleted of measureable exchangeable Ca and Mg by the leaching solution of pH 3.7 treatment at the 40yr volume of application. The leaching solutions of pH 4.7 and 5.7 depleted the soil of exchangeable Ca and Mg at the 80yr volume. These ions were moved below the zone of increased acidity. The exchangeable K at the soil surface was not removed in significant amounts, but the subsurface K was increased to amounts that were half the control surface K concentra...
The partial purification of rabbit liver cytochrome P450-LM2-mRNA.

Summary We have partially purified the mRNA coding for the phenobarbital induced rabbit liver cytochrome P450-LM 2 approximately 90 fold relative to control liver levels. Using a combination of Sepharose 4B chromatography, denaturing and nondenaturing sucrose gradient centrifugation, we have obtained a mRNA that when translated in vitro using wheat germ lysate codes for 7.2% cytochrome P450-LM 2 .
A threshold-varying artificial neural network approach for classification and its application to bankruptcy prediction problem

We propose a threshold-varying artificial neural network (TV-ANN) approach for solving the binary classification problem. Using a set of simulated and real-world data set for bankruptcy prediction, we illustrate that the proposed TV-ANN fares well, both for training and holdout samples, when compared to the traditional backpropagation artificial neural network (ANN) and the statistical linear discriminant analysis. The performance comparisons of TV-ANN with a genetic algorithm-based ANN and a classification tree approach C4.5 resulted in mixed results.
Distribution of Blastomyces dermatitidis in dogs with skin test and serologic results following airborne infection

Reported is a short term (16 week) experiment to determine the distribution of B. dermatitidis in dogs when infected by the natural inhalation route by receiving about 250,000 viable particles duri...
Wavelet bicoherence analysis of wind–wave interaction

Abstract A new technique in the analysis of wind–wave interaction, wavelet bicoherence, will be applied in this article. Wavelet bicohence has the ability to detect phase coupling and nonlinear interactions of the quadratic order with time resolution. It is used in this study to analyze wind–wave interaction during wave growth in a Mistral event. A selected record of simultaneously measured wind and wave data during Mistral is divided into five segments and the computations of the wavelet bicoherence are conducted for the whole record and for all divided segments. The results show that the phase coupling occurs between wind speed and wave height over a certain range of frequencies and that the range is different from one segment to another due to the non-stationary feature of the time series.
Complex mechanisms for inhibition of immunoglobulin gene expression in a germinal center B cell line.

Abstract CD40 ligation and IL-4 stimulation are critical Th2 cell-derived signals that act on germinal center B cells to stimulate immunoglobulin isotype switching. In addition to this well-known effect, these same Th2 signals have also been reported to inhibit ongoing immunoglobulin synthesis in germinal center B cells. To study the mechanism of this inhibition, we have investigated which immunoglobulin gene regulatory regions might be affected by IL-4 and CD40 Ligand (CD40L). CL-01 cells, a human B cell line of germinal center phenotype, were transiently transfected with luciferase reporter constructs containing various light and heavy chain enhancers and promoters; the cells were then incubated with or without CD40L and IL-4 and then assayed for luciferase expression. We find that the intronic enhancer of the κ light chain (but not the heavy chain) is upregulated by CD40 ligation, but that VH and Vκ promoters and the 3′ enhancers of both the κ and heavy chain loci are inhibited by CD40 ligation and the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. The inhibitory response of the 3′α enhancer can be observed with a 130 bp core fragment of the enhancer, and remains unaffected by mutations in several motifs known or suspected to contribute to enhancer function. The ultimate effects of cytokines and CD40 ligation on immunoglobulin gene transcription therefore represent a complex integration of positive and negative stimuli acting on enhancers and promoters.
Rapid 1-hour transduction of whole bone marrow leads to long-term repopulation of murine recipients with lentivirus-modified hematopoietic stem cells

Efficient gene transfer to hematopoietic stem cells by Moloney murine leukemia virus-derived retroviral vectors benefits from ex vivo culture and cytokine support. Both also increase the risks of apoptosis and differentiation among cells targeted for transduction. In an effort to maximize the retention of stem cell properties in target cells, we developed a transduction protocol with a focus on minimizing graft manipulation, cytokine stimulation, and ex vivo exposure duration. Based on their wide host range and ability to transduce quiescent cells, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-derived lentivirus vectors are ideally suited for this purpose. Our present studies in a murine model show that whole bone marrow cells are readily transduced after a 1-hour vector exposure in the presence of stem cell factor and CH296 fibronectin fragment. Using this rapid transduction protocol, we achieved long-term, multilineage reconstitution of murine recipients with up to 25% GFP-expressing cells in primary and secondary recipients. Our results demonstrate the unique ability of HIV-derived vectors to transduce hematopoietic stem cells in the absence of enrichment, under minimal cytokine stimulation, and following brief exposures.
The evolution of infanticide: genetic benefits of extreme nepotism and spite

Among patterns of naturally occurring infanticide, one of the most interesting is the killing of young by lactating adult females in several mammalian species. In different species, the litters of either distantly related mothers or of close relatives have been documented as victims. We examined possible genetic benefits of infanticide by adult females using models of inclusive fitness and coancestry. Infanticide is viewed as a form of nepotism, in which offspring that are closer relatives of the infanticidal marauder have a greater chance of recruiting into a breeding group following infanticide. In this context, the genetic relationship of marauders and the young they kill is based upon the competitive social environment within breeding groups of adults. Two models were developed, based on linear and curvilinear changes in the fitness of mothers that either protect their litters or leave their litters unprotected while they maraud the litters of other adult females. Forms of these models that describe g...
Management of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients

Abstract Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients is a common and severe clinical problem. The incidence of VTE has been rising as the number of cancer patients increases. Because the pathophysiology of thrombosis is multifactorial, there is no ‘one fits all’ prophylaxis or treatment. Thromboprophylaxis with a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is recommended for hospitalized cancer patients unless contraindicated. However, thromboprophylaxis is not customarily advised for ambulatory cancer patients. Patients developing a VTE are usually treated with a LMWH, and this agent is continued long-term rather than switched to a vitamin K antagonist. The new oral anticoagulants are currently not recommended for cancer patients until further experience with these drugs suggests otherwise. An increasing population of elderly patients, limited health care resources, and financial constraints will affect treatment options in the future. Prevention and treatment of VTE will be optimized when oncologists and patients become aware and fully informed about this disorder.
Faction Fights, Student Protests, and Rebellion: The Politics of Beer-Drinks and Bad Food in the Transkei, South Africa, 1955-63

This article examines two cases of conflict from the Transkei region of South Africa. In the first instance in 1955, young men caught up in a stick fight after drinking beer were arrested, tried, and convicted, and they received harsh sentences of six months of hard labor. In the second case in 1961, boys at an elite school in Umtata protested their poor food and lodging arrangements, set fire to the school library, and threatened to kill the headmaster. While they were convicted, their punishment of caning was considered a very light sentence. These two cases illuminate the emerging nature of youthful resistance to the inception of home rule that was later to give rise to the Bantustans, as well as the response by state officials seeking to cope with the enlarging rural opposition to the structures of apartheid. The paradox of the strikingly different sentences is examined and explained.
Stem Cell Transplantation: Genetic Counselors as a Critical Part of the Process

Genetic counselors bring unique and important expertise to health care teams that serve patients with genetic conditions treated by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Genetic counselors are master’s-trained allied health care professionals who work in collaboration with physicians to guide patients through the complexities of heritable conditions and emerging technologies, including through the diagnostic, HSCT treatment, and post-HSCT processes. This article will review the history of HSCT for genetic conditions, the role of the genetic counselor throughout the HSCT process, and the evolving and expanding role of genetic counselors in current and future stem cell therapies.
Atomic layer deposition of Al-incorporated Zn(O,S) thin films with tunable electrical properties

Zinc oxysulfide, Zn(O,S), films grown by atomic layer deposition were incorporated with aluminum to adjust the carrier concentration. The electron carrier concentration increased up to one order of magnitude from 1019 to 1020 cm−3 with aluminum incorporation and sulfur content in the range of 0 ≤ S/(Zn+Al) ≤ 0.16. However, the carrier concentration decreased by five orders of magnitude from 1019 to 1014 cm−3 for S/(Zn+Al) = 0.34 and decreased even further when S/(Zn+Al) > 0.34. Such tunable electrical properties are potentially useful for graded buffer layers in thin-film photovoltaic applications.
Reverse stigma in the Freegan community

Abstract Freegans are anti-consumers who sustain themselves through dumpster diving and the consumption of disposed goods. Mainstream consumers consider Freeganism dirty and tainted—a stigma. Through a qualitative investigation of Freeganism and its practitioners, this research contributes a multi-dimensional framework of reverse stigma. The framework explicates the mechanisms by which stigmatized individuals re-direct stigma onto normative culture. Specifically, these mechanisms are ideological reversal, practice reversal, and resource reversal. While past research emphasizes defensive, self-directed stigma management strategies, this research shows that some communities adopt offensive, others-directed strategies to reject their stigmatized status and redirect the stigma to normative others.
The atpase system in American cockroach muscle and nerve cord

Abstract Mg2+ATPase inhibited by oligomycin (mitochondrial Mg2+ATPase) has 3 times higher specific activity in red coxal muscle of males than in female cockroaches. The enzyme was much less active in white muscle in both sexes. Because energy-linked mechanisms are involved the differences found are discussed relative to other findings of biochemical differences in muscles of each sex. The apparent activation energy values of the ATPases in muscle or nerve cords did not differ significantly between sexes. Mitochondrial Mg2+ATPase gave an average value of 23 kcal/mole (17 to 37°C) in muscle, and about 30 kcal/mole (17 to 27°C) and 25 kcal/mole (27 to 37°C) in nerve cords. Values for Na+-K+ATPase from nerve cords were 20 kcal/mole (17 to 27°C) and 11 kcal/mole (27 to 37°C). Optimal pH values for mitochondrial Mg2+ATPase (about 8.5) are higher than those for Na+-K+ATPase (about 7.5).
How Diet and Health Labels Influence Taste and Satiation

: Research on how diet and health labels (including advertising) influence taste or satiation shows mixed findings that are study-specific and difficult to generalize. We offer a potential explanation to these inconsistencies. Results from a controlled cafeteria study suggest that health and diet labels might improve the perceived taste of less healthy, hedonic foods (such as desserts and possibly snack foods) without influencing the taste of more healthy utilitarian foods (such as entrees or possibly yogurt and soy foods). These findings have immediate implications for reinterpreting past research findings that may have gone unnoticed because they appeared inconsistent with conventional thinking.
Hydrocarbon reaction pathway in selective NO reduction over a bifunctional SnO2/Al2O3 catalyst

Propene reduction of NO on SnO2/γ-Al2O3 proceeds via the formation of acrolein and acetaldehyde, and the latter reduces NOx to N2 over Al2O3.
Clinical studies of high-potency fluoride dentifrices: a review

A review of clinical studies indicates that increasing the fluoride content above 1,000 ppm in dentifrices containing sodium monofluorophosphate increases the mean caries reduction by approximately 12%. The results of studies testing high-potency mixed-fluoride dentifrices containing both sodium fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate are less conclusive.
Were workers of eusocial hymenoptera initially altruistic or oppressed

Abstract Studies of a primitively eusocial halictid bee, Lasioglossum zephyrum, strongly suggest that a major factor in originating a worker caste is selection at the individual level for queens that control associated adult females. Even in this scarcely social form, the queen inhibits other adult females from becoming queens, perhaps by her high level of activity and frequent nudging in the nest. Queens are behaviorally less varied than workers and show specialization, particularly in frequency of nudging (which is concentrated on the worker with largest ovaries) and of backing. Backing draws workers, especially those with slender ovaries, down to lower parts of the burrows where the stimuli for cell construction and provisioning probably operate. Eating of worker-laid eggs by queens was also noted. In spite of the suggestion that queens have evolved to control their workers rather than that workers have evolved to help their queens, both may well have occurred, for these processes are not mutually exclusive; moreover, social attributes mutually beneficial to both castes no doubt have arisen.
A higher order technique to compute the statistics of forced response of a mistuned bladed disk assembly

Abstract A higher order technique is presented in this paper to compute the probability distribution function of the forced response of a mistuned bladed disk assembly. The modal stiffness of each blade is assumed to be a random variable with a Gaussian distribution. The validity of the analytical technique is established by comparison with results from numerical simulations.
Neuropilin 1 expression correlates with differentiation status of epidermal cells and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas

Neuropilins (NRPs) are cell surface receptors for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and SEMA3 (class 3 semaphorin) family members. The role of NRPs in neurons and endothelial cells has been investigated, but the expression and role of NRPs in epithelial cells is much less clear. Herein, the expression and localization of NRP1 was investigated in human and mouse skin and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Results indicated that NRP1 mRNA and protein was expressed in the suprabasal epithelial layers of the skin sections. NRP1 staining did not overlap with that of keratin 14 (K14) or proliferating cell nuclear antigen, but did co-localize with staining for keratin 1, indicating that differentiated keratinocytes express NRP1. Similar to the expression of NRP1, VEGF-A was expressed in suprabasal epithelial cells, whereas Nrp2 and VEGFR2 were not detectable in the epidermis. The expression of NRP1 correlated with a high degree of differentiation in human SCC specimens, human SCC xenografts, and mouse K14-HPV16 transgenic SCC. UVB irradiation of mouse skin induced Nrp1 upregulation. In vitro, Nrp1 was upregulated in primary keratinocytes in response to differentiating media or epidermal growth factor-family growth factors. In conclusion, the expression of NRP1 is regulated in the skin and is selectively produced in differentiated epithelial cells. NRP1 may function as a reservoir to sequester VEGF ligand within the epithelial compartment, thereby modulating its bioactivity.
A thermodynamic approach to generalised rheological equations of state for time-dependent and time-independent non-Newtonian fluids

Abstract A rheological model for non-Newtonian fluids is proposed. In this model, a molecular arrangement parameter, which is related to the entropy, is introduced. The entropy of the fluid varies with the change of the molecular arrangement parameter which is induced by the shear stress or the rate of strain applied to the fluid. The development leads to the rheological equations for thixotropic and rheopectic fluids. Then the rheological equations for pseudoplastic and dilatant fluids are derived as special cases of the two types of time-dependent non-Newtonian fluids.
New algorithms and the physics of proteins

Abstract We review recent developments of modern simulation techniques that allow study of structural transitions and folding in peptides and small proteins. As one example for applications of these techniques, we study the helix formation in homopolymers. These investigations are then extended to research into the relation between helix–coil transition and folding in a simple artificial peptide. Finally, we present recent results on the 36-residue villin headpiece peptide HP-36 as an example for structure prediction of proteins with our techniques.