cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloning, sequencing and expression of the Taq I restriction-modification system

Abstract The Taq I modification and restriction genes (recognition sequence TCGA) have been cloned in E. coli and their DNA sequences have been determined. Both proteins were characterized and the N-terminal sequence of the endonuclease was determined. The genes have the same transcriptional orientation with the methylase gene 5' to the endonuclease gene. The methylase gene is 1089 bp in length (363 amino acids, 40,576 daltons); the endonuclease gene is 702 bp in length (234 amino acids, 27,523 daltons); they are separated by 132 bp. Both methylase and endonuclease activity can be detected in cell extracts. The clones fully modify the vector and chromosomal DNA but they fail to restrict infecting phage. Clones carrying only the restriction gene are viable even in the absence of modification. The restriction gene contains 7 Taq I sites; the modification gene contains none. This asymmetric distribution of sites could be important in the regulation of the expression of the endonuclease gene.
Non-Disruptive Tactics of Suppression Are Superior in Countering Terrorism, Insurgency, and Financial Panics

BACKGROUND: Suppressing damaging aggregate behaviors such as insurgency, terrorism, and financial panics are important tasks of the state. Each outcome of these aggregate behaviors is an emergent property of a system in which each individual's action depends on a subset of others' actions, given by each individual's network of interactions. Yet there are few explicit comparisons of strategies for suppression, and none that fully incorporate the interdependence of individual behavior. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Here I show that suppression tactics that do not require the removal of individuals from networks of interactions are nearly always more effective than those that do. I find using simulation analysis of a general model of interdependent behavior that the degree to which such less disruptive suppression tactics are superior to more disruptive ones increases in the propensity of individuals to engage in the behavior in question. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, hearts-and-minds approaches are generally more effective than force in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency, and partial insurance is usually a better tactic than gag rules in quelling financial panics. Differences between suppression tactics are greater when individual incentives to support terrorist or insurgent groups, or susceptibilities to financial panic, are higher. These conclusions have utility for policy-makers seeking to end bloody conflicts and prevent financial panics. As the model also applies to mass protest, its conclusions provide insight as well into the likely effects of different suppression strategies undertaken by authoritarian regimes seeking to hold on to power in the face of mass movements seeking to end them. Language: en
In-situ Raman spectroscopy studies of room-temperature and hydrothermal reactions

By contracting with the Parr Instrument Company and Bruker Optical Systems, we have developed a system for continuous monitoring of hydrothermal and room temperature reactions by Raman spectroscopy. Using the uranyl peroxide cage cluster {[UO2(O2)(OH)]16[UO2(OM)2]4}24− (denoted {U20R}) and a coordination polymer made from uranyl ions and 4,4’-biphenyldicarboxylate as model systems, we demonstrate the spectroscopically observable changes associated with reaction progress and crystallization.
Design and Synthesis of Novel Scaffolds for Drug Discovery: Hybrids of β-d-Glucose with 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydrobenzo[e][1,4]diazepin-5-one, the Corresponding 1-Oxazepine, and 2- and 4-Pyridyldiazepines

We describe the syntheses of novel tricyclic scaffolds that incorporate a fusion of a substituted pyranose ring with the seven-membered rings of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[e][1,4]diazepin-5-one and the corresponding oxazepine and pyridyldiazepine to generate the benzodiazepines, and the related heterocycles. In each instance, the pyranose rings contain three protected hydroxyls, suitable for selective derivatization.
Evolution of pathology techniques for evaluating energy-based tissue effects

Over the last decade, histopathology techniques for evaluating tissue effects associated with minimally invasive energy-based medical devices have substantially progressed. These techniques have evolved from hematoxylin and eosin and collagen staining on fixed tissues to membrane and enzymatic viability staining in fresh tissue. Further, immunohistochemistry has advanced the detection of apoptosis over the TUNEL and FLICA assays in intact tissue samples. As a result, these techniques have enhanced our ability to evaluate tissues following both hyperthermic and cryothermic tissue treatments.
Memory Analysis of Solid Model Representations for Heterogeneous Objects

Methods to represent and exchange parts consisting of Functionally Graded Material (FGM) for Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) with Local Composition Control (LCC) are evaluated based on their memory requirements. Data structures for representing FGM objects as heterogeneous models are described and analyzed, including a voxel-based structure, finite-element mesh-based approach, and the extension of the Radial-Edge and Cell-Tuple-Graph data structures with Material Domains representing spatially varying composition properties. The storage cost for each data structure is derived in terms of the number of instances of each of its fundamental classes required to represent an FGM object. In order to determine the optimal data structure, the storage cost associated with each data structure is calculated for several hypothetical models. Limitations of these representation schemes are discussed and directions for future research also recommended.
HYPERTENSION REDEFINED FOR CRITICALLY ILL NEONATES

The diagnosis of neonatal hypertension(HTN) has been complicated by the limited available normative data and hence, arbitrary assignment of the upper limit of normal blood pressure(BP). Our objective was to determine a normative data base. BPs were recorded every 8 hrs for up to 30 days in 121 preterm and 61 term infants who required an umbilical artery catheter(UAC). Dinamap was used after discontinuation of UAC. Infants were grouped as follows: 2.5 kg (n=61). In each group, mean arterial pressure(MAP) rose steeply over the first 5 days. At all times, BP was higher in infants with the greater birth weight(BW). Predictive equations for MAP as a function of postnatal age(PNA) best fit a curvilinear relationship (MAP=a+b.ln[day]). The following tabulates the MAP(mmHg) and 95% confidence limits for single measurements. Both PNA and BW markedly influence BP values. By prior definition(MAP >70 × 3 days) 10% of these asymptomatic neonates would be hypertensive. The present criteria reduces the incidence to 2% which is in accordance with our previous report of symptomatic HTN. This dynamic definition of the range of BP with respect to BW and PNA more precisely identifies HTN in sick neonates.
M7 Germplasm Release: A Tetraploid Clone Derived from Solanum infundibuliforme for Use in Expanding the Germplasm Base for French Fry Processing

A new source of russet germplasm has been identified as a parent for processing and fresh market breeding programs. It was derived via bilateral sexual polyploidization following a cross between a diploid cultivated potato and the diploid wild species Solanum infundibuliforme. This clone, designated M7, is tetraploid and highly fertile, based on crossability to tetraploid germplasm. It produces large tubers with long shape and russet skin. M7 offspring produce tubers with a desirable appearance and some are resistant to cold-induced sweetening. In addition, M7 is resistant to common scab and soft rot.
A note on the Ostrowski–Schneider type inertia theorem in Euclidean Jordan algebras

Abstract In a recent paper [7], Gowda et al. extended Ostrowski–Schneider type inertia results to certain linear transformations on Euclidean Jordan algebras. In particular, they showed that In ( a ) = In ( x ) whenever a ∘ x > 0 by the min–max theorem of Hirzebruch, where the inertia of an element x in a Euclidean Jordan algebra is defined by In ( x ) : = ( π ( x ) , ν ( x ) , δ ( x ) ) , with π ( x ) , ν ( x ) , and δ ( x ) denoting, respectively, the number of positive, negative, and zero eigenvalues, counting multiplicities. In this paper, we present a Peirce decomposition version of Wimmer’s result [13] and show that it is equivalent to the above result. In addition, we extend Higham and Cheng’s result ([8], Lemma 4.2) to the setting of Euclidean Jordan algebras.
Nomenclatural History and a New Name for the Blue-winged Warbler (Aves: Parulidae)

Abstract Linnaeus (1766) proposed Certhia pinus based on two different entities, the Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora pinus) and the Pine Warbler (Dendroica pinus). The confusion was noted by Wilson (1808–1814) who restricted Latham's (1790) Sylvia pinus, based on C. pinus, to the Pine Warbler (in 1811) and proposed, as a new species (in 1810), S. solitaria, for the Blue-winged Warbler. Wilson's effective lectotypification, long ignored, following which Bonaparte (1824) unequivocally restricted C. pinus to the Pine Warbler, has resulted in misapplication of C. pinus. The correct name of the Pine Warbler should be Dendroica pinus (Linnaeus) and not D. pinus (Wilson) as in modern lists. Wilson's Sylvia solitaria is unfortunately preoccupied by Sylvia solitaria Lewin 1808 ( = Origma solitaria, the Rockwarbler of Australia). A new scientific name is provided here for the Blue-winged Warbler because no other is available.
Rate control for non-real-time video encoding

In streaming video applications, video sequences are encoded off-line and stored in a server. Users may access the server over a constant bit-rate channel such as Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN). Examples of the streaming video are video on demand, archived video news, and non-interactive distance learning. Before the playback, part of the video bit-stream is pre- loaded in the decoder buffer to ensure that every frame can be decoded at the scheduled time. For these streaming video applications, since the delay (latency) is not a critical issue and the whole video sequence is available to the encoder, a more sophisticated bit-allocation scheme can be used to achieve better video quality. During the encoding process for streaming video, two constraints need to be considered: the maximum pre-loading time that the video viewers are willing to accept and the physical buffer-size at the receiver (decoder) side. In this paper, we propose a rate- control scheme that uses statistical information of the whole video sequence as a guidance to generate better video quality for video streaming involving constant bit-rate channels. Simulation results show video quality improvements over the regular H.263 TMN8 encoder.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A beginner's guide to uranium chronometry in nuclear forensics and safeguards

Nuclear forensics and international safeguards are rising in importance in the face of increasing concerns over the illicit production and trafficking of nuclear materials worldwide. One of the most valuable approaches in such efforts is the chronometric investigation (“age-dating”) of collected/interdicted materials; well-designed chronometric schemes may simultaneously provide insight into a sample's composition, enrichment history, and the time elapsed since last purification. Given the importance of this analytical approach in obtaining valuable material signatures, a thorough understanding of age-dating principles and special concerns will be of significant value to the rising generation of scientists interrogating nuclear materials collected around the world. In this work, the fundamental concepts of uranium chronometry are discussed, along with several unique concerns and recent applications associated with the use of age-dating approaches in this manner. As significant work remains to be done in these fields, several potential concepts for future development are also highlighted.
Small RNA metabolism in Arabidopsis.

The Arabidopsis genome encodes two major classes of 20–24-nucleotide riboregulators: microRNAs and small interfering RNAs. These small RNAs act as sequence-specific repressors of target gene expression, either at the transcriptional level through DNA and/or histone methylation or at the post-transcriptional level through transcript cleavage or translational inhibition. Small RNAs are processed from precursor RNAs by one or more of the four DICER-LIKE RNase III enzymes, modified by HUA ENHANCER 1, a small RNA methyltransferase, and loaded onto an argonaute protein-containing RNA-induced silencing complex. Here, we review the biogenesis of small RNAs, and we discuss the major outstanding questions in small RNA metabolism and function.
IR diode laser probing of OMVPE kinetics

Abstract Previous experiments employing in-situ, real-time infrared laser diode absorption spectroscopy as a probe of the OMVPE reactor environment [J. Crystal Growth 77 (1986) 73 and 163] have been used to characterize gaseous chemical intermediates and to tune an ultra-fast gas delivery system for producing abrupt gas switching. This work has led to the growth of modulated doped heterostructures with mobilities in excess of 90 000 cm 2 V −1 s −1 on a routine basis. In addition, these experiments observed gas phase methyl radicals from the decomposition of the methyl precursors above the heated GaAs surface. Because the concentration of the methyl radicals was found to be inversely related to the arsine concentration in the reactor, we have undertaken the study of the homogeneous gas phase reaction of: CH 3 + AsH 3 → products. Tunable infrared diode laser transient absorption spectroscopy was used to probe the methyl radical concentration versus time following excimer laser photolysis of methyl iodide in a flowing gaseous mixture of methyl iodide, arsine, and hydrogen (argon). The bimolecular rate constant at room temperature was determined to be 6.5(2.0)×10 −14 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 . Limited measurements of the temperature dependence of this rate constant indicate an activation energy barrier of 1.65(0.50) kcal mol −1 .
Extended states in disordered systems: Role of off-diagonal correlations

We study one-dimensional systems with random diagonal disorder but off-diagonal short-range correlations imposed by structural constrains. We find that these correlations generate effective conduction channels for finite systems. At a certain golden correlation condition for the hopping amplitudes, we find an extended state for an infinite system. Our model has important implications to charge transport in DNA molecules, and a possible set of experiments in semiconductor superlattices is proposed to verify our most interesting theoretical predictions.
The Role of the Innate and Adaptive Immune System in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Recent translational studies have provided new insights into the pathogenesis of pediatric-onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Registry studies have identified distinct clinical phenotypes with increasing age of onset; this has led to a revision of the clinical phenotyping system, now termed the Paris classification system. It is recognized that there are infantile (age <1 years), very early onset (VEO, age 1-10), and early onset (EO, age 10-17) forms of disease. Rare genetic mutations affecting anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory pathways have been discovered in infantile and VEO forms, while genetic pathways identified in EO disease have been similar to adult-onset IBD. An increasing incidence in the infantile and VEO forms has suggested an important environmental influence. This is likely ultimately expressed via alterations in the enteric flora (dysbiosis) and dysregulated immune responses to the flora which are recognized as a critical trigger for mucosal inflammation. These data should ultimately guide new pathogenic models of disease which will inform both therapy in individual patients, and disease prevention in their at-risk family members.
Determinants of termination of breastfeeding within the first 2 years of life in India: evidence from the National Family Health Survey-2

The present study assesses socio-demographic and health service determinants of termination of breastfeeding within the first 2 years of life in India by analysing data from the nationally representative National Family Health Survey-2 using Cox regression modelling techniques. While the likelihood of stopping breastfeeding increased with increasing household wealth status, it declined with increasing maternal age at childbirth. The likelihood of stopping breastfeeding was significantly higher among female children compared with male children, and the gender differential was attenuated by increasing maternal educational status. Overall, findings of the present study suggest that breastfeeding promotion programmes in India should focus on certain high-risk mother–child pairs such as female infants, first-born babies, babies born in the private sector and in urban areas, as well as mothers who are literate, have a higher wealth status, are aged less than 20 years and belong to Sikh or Christian communities. Qualitative studies to understand cultural factors or norms and causal pathways responsible for the association of identified factors and early termination of breastfeeding, especially household wealth status and maternal education, are also called for.
Does a shear band result from a thermal explosion

Abstract Based on results of computer simulations using the numerical method of lines, a simplified one-dimensional reaction—diffusion type of model, with an Arrhenius-type model for the plastic flow surface, is presented for the localization of thermoelastic—plastic shear in ductile solids into an adiabatic shear band at high strain rate. This model is shown to share a number of similarities with a model of thermal reaction in a rigid solid explosive. Using small strain-rate-sensitivity asymptotics, which is analogous to high activation-energy asymptotics in the mathematical theory of combustion, it is shown there is an analogue in the mathematical theory of plasticity of the ignition problem in chemical combustion. This raises the interesting question: Does an adiabatic shear band result from a thermal explosion?
Numerical Simulation of Orthogonal Cutting using the Material Point Method

Abstract A material point method simulation of orthogonal cutting that can simulate cutting into steady-state chip curling is described. The modeling used ductile fracture mechanics with a cohesive zone in the cutting path. Robust simulations required a new mechanism to damp kinetic energy artifacts associated with dynamic crack propagation. The simulations displayed two regimes—crack-tip touching, where the tool reaches the crack tip, and plastic bending, where the tool is separated from the crack tip by a gap. The simulations were compared to analytical models that were revised to account for rubbing forces and hardening laws.
The physical and chemical characteristics of marine primary organic aerosol: a review

Abstract. Knowledge of the physical characteristics and chemical composition of marine organic aerosols is needed for the quantification of their effects on solar radiation transfer and cloud processes. This review examines research pertinent to the chemical composition, size distribution, mixing state, emission mechanism, photochemical oxidation and climatic impact of marine primary organic aerosol (POA) associated with sea-spray. Numerous measurements have shown that both the ambient mass concentration of marine POA and size-resolved organic mass fraction of sea-spray aerosol are related to surface ocean biological activity. Recent studies have also indicated that fine mode (smaller than 200 nm in diameter) marine POA can have a size distribution independent from sea-salt, while coarse mode aerosols (larger than 1000 nm in diameter) are more likely to be internally mixed with sea-salt. Modelling studies have estimated global submicron marine POA emission rates of ~10 ± 5 Tg yr −1 , with a considerable fraction of these emissions occurring over regions most susceptible to aerosol perturbations. Climate studies have found that marine POA can cause large local increases in the cloud condensation nuclei concentration and have a non-negligible influence on model assessments of the anthropogenic aerosol forcing of climate. Despite these signs of climate-relevance, the source strength, chemical composition, mixing state, hygroscopicity, cloud droplet activation potential, atmospheric aging and removal of marine POA remain poorly quantified. Additional laboratory, field, and modelling studies focused on the chemistry, size distribution and mixing state of marine POA are needed to better understand and quantify their importance.
Linear stability of natural convection in spherical annuli

Natural convection in a Boussinesq fluid filling the narrow gap between two isothermal, concentric spheres at different temperatures depends strongly on radius ratio, Prandtl number, and Grashof number. When the inner sphere has a higher temperature than the outer sphere, and for fixed values of radius ratio and Prandtl number, experiments show the flow to be steady and axisymmetric for sufficiently small Grashof number and quasi-periodic and axisymmetric for Grashof numbers greater than a critical value. It is our hypothesis that the observed transition is a flow bifurcation. This hypothesis is examined by solving an appropriate eigenvalue problem. The critical Grashof number, critical eigenvalues, and corresponding eigenvectors are obtained as functions of the radius ratio, Prandtl number, and longitudinal wavenumber. Critical Grashof numbers range from 1.18 × 10 4 to 2.63 × 10 3 as Prandtl number Pr increases from zero to 0.7, for radius ratios of 0.900 and 0.950. A transitional Prandtl number Pr t exists such that for Pr Pr t the bifurcation is time-periodic and axisymmetric. For Pr > Pr t the bifurcation is steady and non-axisymmetric with wavenumber two A first approximation to the bifurcated flow is obtained using the critical eigenvectors. For Pr Pr t the bifurcation sets in as a cluster of relatively strong cells with alternating directions of rotation. The cells remain fixed in location, but pulsate with time. The cluster moves toward the top of the annulus as Pr increases toward Pr t . An important feature of the non-axisymmetric bifurcation for Pr > Pr t is a set of four cells located at each pole of the annulus in which the radial velocity alternates direction in moving from any one cell to an adjacent one. For fixed radius ratio, the average Nusselt number at criticality varies only slightly with Prandtl number.
Critical current, quench and stability of a BSCCO/Ag high field shim coil

A pancake wound coil of BSCCO/Ag was built and characterized in background fields up to 17.5 T. Hysteresis in J/sub c/(H), voltage-current characteristics well beyond J/sub c/, and quench properties were investigated. The coil was developed as a shim coil for a high field superconducting solenoid operating at 4.2 K. >
Impact of mobile apps to combat obesity in children and adolescents: A systematic literature review.

Purpose This review examines the impact of mobile app technology on obesity-related anthropometric, psychosocial, and behavioral outcomes in children and adolescents. Conclusions Nine research articles retrieved from a systematic review of the literature met criteria. Evidence is limited and mixed, but argues for an impact of mobile app use on motivation and goal-setting behavior, and supports further study of the impact on childhood obesity-related outcomes such as attitudes, perceptions, physical activity, and dietary habits. Practice Implications Nurses can use this evidence to discuss potential benefits of health promotion mobile apps with parents, children, and adolescents to combat childhood obesity.
Associations between nocturnal blood pressure dipping and the metabolic syndrome in high- vs. low-acculturated Mexican American women.

Blood pressure (BP) exhibits a circadian variation, with a marked decrease in levels of BP evidenced when sleep is initiated. On average, individuals exhibit a BP decrease (“dip”) of 10%–20% from diurnal to nocturnal hours. However, in some individuals, a nocturnal BP decrease of <10%, or a “non-dipping” pattern has been observed. This blunted decrease in nocturnal BP dipping or nondipping pattern has been associated with increased risk for a variety of morbidities including cardiovascular disease (CVD).1 Blunted nocturnal BP dipping has also been associated with increased risk for heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, and sudden death.2,3 However, how BP dipping relates to more intermediate conditions implicated in the development of the clinical endpoint of CVD is poorly understood.4,5 The metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is characterized by the clustering of metabolic abnormalities, including central adiposity, dyslipidemia, elevated BP, and hyperglycemia, provides an early indication of future CVD risk.4 Some studies have found that MetS is more prevalent in BP nondippers than dippers.6–11 However, null relationships have been reported in other studies,12–14 and reviews of the literature indicate that overall the findings are inconclusive.4,15 Moreover, the majority of work in this area has been conducted with hypertensive subjects; less is known about the relationship between BP dipping and MetS in normotensive subjects. Additionally, we are aware of no studies that have examined the BP dipping–MetS relationship in Hispanics, who represent the largest and fastest growing ethnic minority population in the United States and also have the highest rates of MetS of any US ethnic minority group.16 Hispanic women in particular, especially those of Mexican descent, are at high risk for MetS relative to their male counterparts16 and relative to non-Hispanic white women.17 Thus, identifying factors relevant to understanding MetS in this group is of particular importance. Furthermore, prior research has not considered the effect of acculturation on the relationship between nocturnal BP dipping and MetS. Acculturation (“the process of cultural exchange that occurs when two people from distinct cultures come in contact over an extended period of time”)18 has been shown to be related to a variety of sociocultural and behavioral factors affecting disease risk in ethnic minority populations19 and has been shown to alter relationships between other factors associated with CVD risk.20–22 The aims of the current paper were (i) to examine the association between BP dipping and MetS in Hispanic women and (ii) to determine whether the BP dipping–MetS association differs by acculturation status.
Chinese Box turtle (Cuora flavomarginata) with lymphoid leukemia characterized by immunohistochemical and cytochemical phenotyping

Lymphoid leukemia of T-cell origin was diagnosed in a male Chinese Box turtle, Cuora flavomarginata, of approximately 25 years of age. The turtle presented with a history of anorexia, open-mouth breathing, and lethargy for one week. The CBC findings included a mildly increased PCV, and severe leukocytosis due to high numbers of atypical cells interpreted to be blasts. The blasts were medium-sized cells with round to pleomorphic nuclei, slightly clumped chromatin, indistinct nucleoli, and scant moderate-to-dark blue cytoplasm with occasional red-to-purple cytoplasmic granulation. Cytochemical and immunohistochemical staining indicated that the neoplastic cells were positive for CD3 and α-naphthyl butyrate esterase (ANBE), leading to the diagnosis of T-cell lymphoid leukemia. Histology of tissues collected at necropsy showed multifocal infiltrations of neoplastic round cells in the liver, spleen, kidneys, testicles, pancreas, thyroid, duodenum, bone marrow, epicardium, and myocardium. Transmission electron microscopy failed to identify viral particles within the neoplastic cells. This article describes the hematologic, histologic, and ultrastructural abnormalities associated with lymphoid leukemia in this turtle, and advanced diagnostic methods used for phenotyping the T-cell origin.
Loss of actomyosin regulation in distal arthrogryposis myopathy due to mutant myosin binding protein-C slow

Myosin binding protein C (MyBP-C) is expressed in striated muscles, where it plays key roles in the modulation of actomyosin cross-bridges. Slow MyBP-C (sMyBP-C) consists of multiple variants sharing common domains but also containing unique segments within the NH2 and COOH termini. Two missense mutations in the NH2 terminus (W236R) and COOH terminus (Y856H) of sMyBP-C have been causally linked to the development of distal arthrogryposis-1 (DA-1), a severe skeletal muscle disorder. Using a combination of in vitro binding and motility assays, we show that the COOH terminus mediates binding of sMyBP-C to thick filaments, while the NH2 terminus modulates the formation of actomyosin cross-bridges in a variant-specific manner. Consistent with this, a recombinant NH2-terminal peptide that excludes residues 34-59 reduces the sliding velocity of actin filaments past myosin heads from 9.0 ± 1.3 to 5.7 ± 1.0 μm/s at 0.1 μM, while a recombinant peptide that excludes residues 21-59 fails to do so. Notably, the actomyosin regulatory properties of sMyBP-C are completely abolished by the presence of the DA-1 mutations. In summary, our studies are the first to show that the NH2 and COOH termini of sMyBP-C have distinct functions, which are regulated by differential splicing, and are compromized by the presence of missense point mutations linked to muscle disease.
Extracting Value from the City: Neoliberalism and Urban Redevelopment

How do states make the built environment more flexible and responsive to the investment criteria of real estate capital? Spatial policies, such as urban renewal funding for slum clearance or contemporary financial incentives, depend on discursive practices that stigmatize properties targeted for demolition and redevelopment. These policies and practices have become increasingly neoliberalized. They have further distanced themselves from those “long turnover” parts of the city where redevelopment needs are great but where the probability of private investment and value extraction is slight. They have become more entwined in global financial markets seeking short–term returns from subsidized property investments. They have shifted their emphasis from compromised use values (embodied in the paternalistic notion of “blight”) to diminished exchange values (embodied in the notion of “obsolescence”). I argue that obsolescence has become a neoliberal alibi for creative destruction and, therefore, an important component in contemporary processes of spatialized capital accumulation.
Taxonomy, truth-value gaps and incommensurability: a reconstruction of Kuhn's taxonomic interpretation of incommensurability

Abstract Kuhn's alleged taxonomic interpretation of incommensurability is grounded on an ill defined notion of untranslatability and is hence radically incomplete. To supplement it, I reconstruct Kuhn's taxonomic interpretation on the basis of a logical-semantic theory of taxonomy, a semantic theory of truth-value, and a truth-value conditional theory of cross-language communication. According to the reconstruction, two scientific languages are incommensurable when core sentences of one language, which have truth values when considered within its own context, lack truth values when considered within the context of the other due to the unmatchable taxonomic structures underlying them. So constructed, Kuhn's mature interpretation of incommensurability does not depend upon the notion of truth-preserving (un)translatability, but rather depends on the notion of truth-value-status-preserving cross-language communication. The reconstruction makes Kuhn's notion of incommensurability a well grounded, tenable and integrated notion.
Effects of energy restriction on laying hens.

Abstract INTRODUCTION BECAUSE high feed consumption, obesity and relatively low egg production are characteristic of heavy meat-type laying hens, interest has developed in attempting to improve the performance of this type of hen by restriction of feed intake. Numerous reports dealing with the effects of feed restriction during the growing period on subsequent egg production have been published, but there are few reports available on restriction during the laying period. Heywang (1940) observed drastic reductions in egg production but no effect on body weight or egg size by restricting the feed intake of Leghorn hens to 871/2 and 75% of ad libitum intake. Singsen et al. (1959) used body weight, egg production and environmental temperature to predict feed consumption of White Rock laying hens. Controlled feeding (based on predicted consumption) of high and low energy rations was compared with ad libitum feeding of the same rations. Although intake of the high …
PPARβ Regulates Liver Regeneration by Modulating Akt and E2f Signaling

The current study tests the hypothesis that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β (PPARβ) has a role in liver regeneration due to its effect in regulating energy homeostasis and cell proliferation. The role of PPARβ in liver regeneration was studied using two-third partial hepatectomy (PH) in Wild-type (WT) and PPARβ-null (KO) mice. In KO mice, liver regeneration was delayed and the number of Ki-67 positive cells reached the peak at 60 hr rather than at 36–48 hr after PH shown in WT mice. RNA-sequencing uncovered 1344 transcriptomes that were differentially expressed in regenerating WT and KO livers. About 70% of those differentially expressed genes involved in glycolysis and fatty acid synthesis pathways failed to induce during liver regeneration due to PPARβ deficiency. The delayed liver regeneration in KO mice was accompanied by lack of activation of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1)/Akt. In addition, cell proliferation-associated increase of genes encoding E2f transcription factor (E2f) 1–2 and E2f7–8 as well as their downstream target genes were not noted in KO livers 36–48 hr after PH. E2fs have dual roles in regulating metabolism and proliferation. Moreover, transient steatosis was only found in WT, but not in KO mice 36 hr after PH. These data suggested that PPARβ-regulated PDK1/Akt and E2f signaling that controls metabolism and proliferation is involved in the normal progression of liver regeneration.
Structural Aspects of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Required for Transmodulation of erbB-2/neu *

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) is known to transmodulate the activity and level of the erbB-2/neu protein in several epithelial cell lines. We therefore determined which structural features of the EGF-R were important in transmodulating erbB-2. We found that the addition of EGF to nontransformed epithelial cells resulted in down-regulation of erbB-2 with the same kinetics and similar extent as the EGF-R. By using cells expressing a series of EGF-R modified by site-directed mutagenesis, we found that EGF-R tyrosine kinase activity was not necessary for down-regulation of erbB-2, but receptor sequences between 899 and 958 in the EGF-R were required. To determine whether transmodulation was associated with activation of erbB-2, tyrosine phosphorylation of erbB-2 was determined following addition of EGF. Again, phosphorylation of erbB-2 following EGF addition did not require the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity of the EGF-R, but did require sequences between 899 and 958. To determine the localization of EGF-R and erbB-2 following EGF addition, the relative distribution of the two receptors was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. Surprisingly, the majority of erbB-2 was found in small cytoplasmic vesicles, whereas the EGF-R was predominantly found on the cell surface. Addition of EGF resulted in a redistribution and consequent colocalization of both receptors in endosomal and lysosomal structures. We conclude that activation and transmodulation of erbB-2 does not require intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity of the EGF-R, but does require sequences in the EGF-R which regulate its trafficking.
A Morphological Approach for Proactive Risk Management in Civil Aviation Security

In this study, morphological analysis is used to develop a framework for proactively assessing the risk of a terrorist attack on the air transportation system. Morphological analysis, a first order method pioneered by Fritz Zwicky, is employed to exhaustively create possible attack scenarios. Morphological analysis is then used to assess the likelihood of each scenario. Given a consequence estimation method, the risk for each of these scenarios can be determined. A method for developing profiles of various terror organizations is outlined and, given this information, a more specific assessment of high-risk scenarios can be made. Using the method developed herein, defensive organizations would have the capability to quickly assess how risky various terrorist attack scenarios are, and therefore more effectively protect our air transportation systems from those who would attack it for their own political or ideological gain.
A prospective evaluation of the contribution of ambient temperatures and transport times on infrared thermometry readings of intravenous fluids utilized in EMS patients

During cold weather months in much of the country, the temperatures in which prehospital care is delivered creates the potential for inadvertently cool intravenous fluids to be administered to patients during their transport and care by emergency medical services (EMS). There is some potential for patient harm from unintentional infusion of cool intravenous fluids. Prehospital providers in these cold weather environments are likely using fluids that are well below room temperature when prehospital intravenous fluid (IVF) warming techniques are not being employed. It was hypothesized that cold ambient temperatures during winter months in the study location would lead to the inadvertent infusion of cold intravenous fluids during prehospital patient care. Trained student research assistants obtained three sequential temperature measurements using an infrared thermometer in a convenience sample of intravenous fluid bags connected to patients arriving via EMS during two consecutive winter seasons (2011 to 2013) at our receiving hospital in Syracuse, New York. Intravenous fluids contained in anything other than a standard polyvinyl chloride bag were not measured and were not included in the study. Outdoor temperature was collected by referencing National Weather Service online data at the time of arrival. Official transport times from the scene to the emergency department (ED) and other demographic data was collected from the EMS provider or their patient care record at the time of EMS interaction. Twenty-three intravenous fluid bag temperatures were collected and analyzed. Outdoor temperature was significantly related to the temperature of the intravenous fluid being administered, b = 0.69, t(21) = 4.3, p < 0.001. Transport time did not predict the measured intravenous fluid temperatures, b = 0.12, t(20) = 0.55, p < 0.6. Use of unwarmed intravenous fluid in the prehospital environment during times of cold ambient temperatures can lead to the infusion of cool intravenous fluid and may result in harm to patients. Short transport times do not limit this risk. Emergency departments should not rely on EMS agencies’ use of intravenous fluid warming techniques and should consider replacing EMS intravenous fluids upon ED arrival to ensure patient safety.
Rational Versus Plausible Accounting Equivalences in Preference Judgments

Many different qualitative axiomatizations exist for preferences over uncertain alternatives (gambles) that all lead to the well-known subjective expected. utility (SEU) or to expected utility (EU) representations (see Fishburn,1982,1989). In one way or another each of these axiomatizations embodies four fundamentally different principles of rationality, together with some further assumptions, that entail a considerable richness to the domain of gambles. Moreover, these four principles are each implied by the representation.
Release of eosinophil granule proteins during IgE-mediated allergic skin reactions.

Abstract To determine whether the eosinophil (EOS), a prominent component of human allergic skin reactions, releases its potentially pathogenic components in vivo, we appended collection chambers to the bases of unroofed skin blisters and challenged the sites for varying time periods with either pollen antigen (Ag) or buffer (B)-control solutions. In seven sensitive subjects, continuous challenge with pollen Ag consistently induced release of more major basic protein (MBP) and eosinophil-derived neutrophil (EDN) than did B solution. Low levels of both MBP and EDN were observed during the first hour with increased accumulation during the second to fifth hour. Comparison of Ag- versus B-challenged site responses in individual subjects demonstrated significantly higher levels of both MBP and EDN at Ag than at B sites during the second to fifth hour. Levels of both MBP and EDN in the second to fifth hour correlated significantly with histamine release in the same sites in the first hour ( r = 0.66 and 0.83, respectively). Imprints of the skin bases of the chambers after 5 hours demonstrated variable numbers of EOS at the Ag-challenged sites and only occasional EOS at the B-challenged sites; most cells on the skin bases were neutrophils. However, immunofluorescence localization of MBP in biopsy specimens of the blister bases revealed striking extra cellular MBP deposition. These findings indicate that EOS components accumulate in vivo in IgE-mediated human skin reactions, even when prominent EOS accumulation is not visualized, possibly because the EOS are degranulated in the allergic-reaction site. Release of EOS components in these reactions may be linked to earlier mast cell activation. Because cationic EOS granule proteins are toxic for tissues, they could play a pathogenic role in late-phase allergic reactions.
Mechanisms of the bacterial endotoxin-cephaloridine toxic synergy and the protective effects of saline infusion in the rabbit kidney.

To examine the mechanisms of the nephrotoxic synergy of bacterial cell wall lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (or endotoxin) and the cephalosporin antibiotics, we have studied: 1) the effects on mean arterial blood pressure and the clearances of inulin, p-aminohippurate and cephaloridine (Cld) of a 12%-lethal dose of Escherichia coli 0111-B4 LPS (0.05 mg/kg b.wt.i.v.), with both low and high rates of saline infusion (0.1 ml/min vs. a 7.5-ml/kg load followed by 0.4 ml/min, respectively, in approximately 2-kg rabbits); 2) the separate and combined effects of LPS and saline infusion on the concentrations of Cld in renal cortex and serum; and 3) the separate and combined effects of LPS and saline infusion on the nephrotoxicity of Cld, quantified by acute tubular necrosis scoring and serum creatinine concentrations 48 hr after treatment with 90 mg/kg of Cld i.v. and by mitochondrial respiratory toxicity, depletion of reduced glutathione and production of lipid peroxidation products in renal cortex 1 hr after treatment with 90 to 360 mg/kg of Cld i.v. The following was found: 1) the increased saline infusion (saline) largely prevented an LPS-induced fall of inulin clearance and partially prevented a fall of blood pressure and p-aminohippurate and Cld clearance; 2) as a result, saline prevented slightly elevated late serum and cortical Cld concentrations in LPS-treated animals; 3) the tubular necrosis and elevation of serum creatinine caused by Cld alone was reduced slightly and that produced by the combination of LPS plus Cld was reduced greatly by saline; 4) the comparable mitochondrial respiratory toxicity found after Cld and LPS-plus-Cld was prevented by saline infusion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Optical measurements of intracellular pH in single LLC-PK1 cells: demonstration of Cl-HCO3 exchange.

Abstract An optical method was used to continuously monitor intracellular pH (pHi) in single cultured LLC-PK1 cells. Rapidly growing or quiescent cells, attached to coverslips, were loaded with the pH-sensitive dye 4',5'-dimethyl-5(and -6)-carboxyfluorescein by exposing them to the dye's permeant precursor. pHi was calculated from the intracellular absorbance spectrum of the dye in a single cell. For cells incubated in HCO3(-)-free Ringer's solution, pHi recovered exponentially from acid loads applied by NH+4 prepulsing. Because the recovery was Na+-dependent and amiloride-sensitive, it was probably caused by Na-H exchange at the plasma membrane. In HCO3- Ringer's solution, external Cl- removal caused pHi to reversibly increase by approximately equal to 0.3. This pHi increase was substantially reduced by 50 microM 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (DIDS) or by conducting the Cl- removal in the nominal absence of HCO3-. Reducing [HCO3-]o from 25 to 5 mM at constant pCO2 (lowering pHo from 7.4 to 6.7) caused pHi to reversibly fall by approximately equal to 0.2. This pHi change was greatly diminished by DIDS, by removal of extracellular Cl-, or by performing the same pHo shift in the nominal absence of HCO3-. The pHi changes induced by altering [Cl-]o or pHo were not inhibited by Na+ removal. Our data indicate that LLC-PK1 cells possess a Na-independent Cl-HCO3 exchanger and that this transporter may be as important as the Na-H exchanger in determining pHi.
Sequence Turnover and Tandem Repeats in cis-Regulatory Modules in Drosophila

The path by which regulatory sequence can change, yet preserve function, is an important open question for both evolution and bioinformatics. The recent sequencing of two additional species of Drosophila plus the wealth of data on gene regulation in the fruit fly provides new means for addressing this question. For regulatory sequences, indels account for more base pairs (bp) of change than substitutions (between Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila yakuba), though they are fewer in number. Using Drosophila pseudoobscura as an out-group, we can distinguish insertions from deletions (with maximum parsimony criteria), and find a ratio between 1 and 5 (insertions to deletions) that is species dependent and much larger than the ratio of 1/8 for neutral sequences (Petrov and Hartl 1998). Because neutral sequence is rapidly cleared from the genome, most noncoding regions which preserve their length between D. melanogaster-D. pseudoobscura and have an excess of insertions over deletions should be functional. A fraction of 15%-18% (i.e., more than 20 standard deviations from random expectation) of the regulatory sequence is covered by low copy number tandem repeats whose repeating unit has an average length of 5-10 bp and which occur preferentially (25%-45% coverage) in indels. All indels may be due to tandem repeats if we extrapolate the detection efficiency of the repeat-finding algorithms using the observed point mutation rate between the species we compare. Sequence creation by local duplication accords with the tendency for multiple copies of transcription factor-binding sites to occur in regulatory modules. Thus, indel events and tandem repeats in particular need to be incorporated into models of regulatory evolution because they can alter the rate at which beneficial variants arise and should also influence bioinformatic algorithms that parse regulatory sequences into binding sites.