cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Screening, cloning and characterization of novel transcription factors involved in blood cell development

Abstract To identify new hematopoietic transcription factors we have performed a comprehensive degenerate PCR cloning and developmental and tissue-specific expression analysis of 71 Cys 2 -His 2 type zinc finger (ZF) genes expressed in mouse Lin − Sca-1 + bone marrow cells (highly enriched for HSC and primitive progenitors). Based on sequence data and association of expression pattern with specific stages of blood cell development, 4 Lin − Sca-1 + cell-derived ZF genes were selected for functional analysis. Here we describe Vulcan and Tycho , two new ZF genes with tissue-restricted and developmentally regulated expression during hematopoiesis. Vulcan encodes a 355 a protein with a novel type of KRAB A repressor domain and 3 Cys 2 -His 2 ZF motifs at the C-terminus. Vulcan is expressed throughout mouse embryonic development (including fetal liver), and in adult thymus, spleen, thyroid, submaxillary gland, brain and testis. During hematopoiesis, Vulcan is expressed in HSC, pluripotent progenitors, pro-B, pre-B and T cells, but not in HPP-CFC cells and mature myeloid cells. Tycho gene encodes a 425 aa protein with 11 Cys 2 -His 2 ZF domains, which is expressed throughout mouse embryonic development, and at a very low level in adult mouse brain, liver, heart, and testis. Compared to Lin − Sca-1 + cells, transcription of Tycho is up-regulated 2-4-fold in Lin − Sca-1 + cells and pluripotent progenitor cell lines, and 6 to 8-fold in spleen, thymus and T cell lines. HPP-CFC cells, myeloid progenitors, monocytes, macrophages and B lineage cells (pro-B, Pre-B, B) do not express or express very low levels of Tycho . To study the in vivo rule of Vulcan and Tycho in hematopoiesis, we are generating knockout and transgenic mice.
Molecular Phylogeny and Divergence Times of Deuterostome Animals

The phylogenetic relationships among deuterostome animals have been debated for many years, and a diversity of hypotheses have been proposed based on both morphological and molecular data. Here we have assembled sequences of 217 nuclear-encoded proteins to address specific questions concerning their relationships and times of origin. We recovered significant support for urochordates as the closest relative of vertebrates with an analysis of 59 proteins (17,400 amino acids) and suggest that the basal position of urochordates found in previous molecular studies may have been the result of long-branch attraction biases. Our results also support Ambulacraria, the pairing of hemichordates with echinoderms (nine proteins; 2,382 amino acids), and Cyclostomata, the pairing of lampreys with hagfish (25 proteins; 6,895 amino acids). In addition, 325 shared proteins (102,110 amino acids) were obtained from the complete genomes of six vertebrates and a urochordate for phylogenetic analysis and divergence time estimation. An evolutionary timescale was estimated using a local (Bayesian) molecular clock method. We found that most major lineages of deuterostomes arose prior to the Cambrian Explosion of fossils (approximately 520 MYA) and that several lineages had originated before periods of global glaciation in the Precambrian.
The plasma sex steroid binding protein (SBP or SHBG). A critical review of recent developments on the structure, molecular biology and function

Significant developments have taken place within the past five years on the characterization, molecular biology and function of the plasma sex steroid-binding protein, SBP (or sex hormone binding globulin, SHBG). During the span of that time, amino acid sequences of two SBPs have been established, amino acid residues in the steroid-binding site have been identified, the structure of the human SBP gene has been deduced and evidence for the possible existence of a SBP membrane receptor has been presented. This review covers the salient aspects of these and other developments including a critical analysis of the various proposed models and interpretations with regards to the structure, evolution, molecular biology and function of SBP.
On general in-plane vibrations of rotating thick and thin rings

Complete sets of equations of motion for general in-plane vibrations of rotating thick and thin rings on elastic foundations are derived. The thick ring theory takes account of the effects of extensibility, transverse shear, rotatory inertia and rotation, as well as the effects of initial stresses due to pressure loads and centrifugal force. The consistency of the formulation is demonstrated by reducing it to classical ring theories based on inextensional or negligible shear deformation assumptions. Predictions of frequencies for bending and extensional type vibrations are close to experimental data for non-rotating thick rings [1,2]. It is argued that inextensional assumptions in thick ring theories are improper because extensional coupling effects are as important as shearing effects, espically for the rotating ring. The correct quadratic displacement terms in the strain-displacement relations, necessary for the complete description of initial stress effects, are also discussed.
INVENTING A PUBLIC ANTHROPOLOGY WITH LATINO FARM LABOR ORGANIZERS IN NORTH CAROLINA

In this article, I summarize my experience conducting “an experiment in public anthropology” involving ethnographic fieldwork on a labor union struggle from the standpoint of volunteer work with community advocates for farm labor rights in North Carolina between 1998 and 2004. Theoretical rationales for participatory action research, issues of access, pros and cons from an information-gathering perspective, and ethical perspectives are discussed.
Comparative Effect of SnF2, NaF, and SnCl2 on the Growth of Streptococcus mutans

The inhibitory effects of NaF, SnF2, and SnCl2 were compared in vitro on the growth of Streptococcus mutans NCTC #10449. Sodium fluoride arrested growth at 300 and 600 ppm F (while SnF2 suppressed the rate of growth at 75 ppm F), showed some bactericidal activity at 150 and 300 ppm F, and was totally bactericidal at 600 ppm F. The greater inhibition by SnF2 suggests an additive effect of Sn2+. As a measure of a fluoride-free Sn2+ solution, SnCl2 was inappropriate since most of the tin present, at a neutral pH, was Sn4+. The influence of pH was particularly noteworthy with SnF2 at 600 ppm F, where a total bactericidal effect was observed within four h at pH 5.9, while viable cells were still recoverable from four to 40 h with SnF 2 at pH 7.2.
Nutrition and metabolic support for critically ill patients.

Purpose of review Acute critical illness increases the risk of malnutrition, are more obese, and have multiple comorbidities and frequent pre-existing nutritional deficits. There is a vast amount of research and literature being written on nutritional practices in the critically ill. We review and discuss herein the important nutrition literature over the past 12 months. Recent findings Sarcopenia, defined as loss of skeletal mass and strength, is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, particularly in elderly patients with trauma. Ultrasound is emerging as a noninvasive and promising method of measuring muscularity. Measuring gastric residuals and postpyloric feeding may not decrease rates of pneumonia in critically ill patients. Trophic and full feeding lead to similar long-term functional and cognitive outcomes in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Summary Nutrition and metabolic support of critically ill patients is a complex and diverse topic. Nutritional measurements, requirements, and modes and routes of delivery are currently being studied to determine the best way to treat these complicated patients. We present just a few of the current controversial topics in this fascinating arena.
Atomistic study of lattice structure of BiScO3

The total energies and lattice structures of one paraelectric and two ferroelectric phases of BiScO3 (BSO) were obtained through first principles calculations at zero temperature. The structural instability and phase transition of this material with 5-atom per unit cell was revealed by the simultaneous existence of zone-center and zone-boundary soft phonon modes in phonon dispersion relations. Based on the first principles calculations, a simple rigid-ion pair potential model was developed by fitting of total energy. This atomistic model reproduced the crucial ferroelectric properties of BSO and enabled the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to be performed for the investigation of BSO on the ground state at non-zero temperature. A monoclinic phase was discovered for BSO, which is consistent with experimental results.
Development of semipolar laser diode

In this paper, we discuss experimental results and the potential for improvement of blue and green laser diode (LD) performance by using semipolar substrates. We show that the InGaN quantum well (QW) grown on a semipolar plane allows higher characteristic temperature, T0, and higher optical gain, which are important for improving laser efficiency, thanks to its unique electronic spectrum properties. Epitaxial structure growth benefits from the wider process window for certain orientations. At the same time it is associated with a risk of strain relaxation, which can be addressed by appropriate strain relaxation management and/or strain balancing of waveguide core.
Improved Competitive Indicator Methods for the Study of ɑ-Cyclodextrin Complexes

The competitive indicator method for studying molecular complexes is extended to systems forming 1:1 (SL) and 1:2 (SL2) complexes of substrate (S) and ligand (L). A modification is described for slightly soluble substrates, in which the presence of solid substrate establishes a constant concentration of uncomplexed substrate. These methods are applied to complexes of α-cyclodextrin with some aromatic substrates, with methyl orange as the indicator in acid solution; nitrazine yellow is introduced as an indicator for these studies in basic solution.
Management Development: The State of the ArtAs Perceived by HRD Professionals

This article briefly reviews the literature on Management Development (MD) and summarizes key results of an exploratory survey of HRD professionals' perceptions about MD practices. Based on the survey's results, the authors conclude that organizations sponsoring planned MD programs: (1) Make an effort to base MD on Strategic Business Plans and individual development plans more than on succession plans; (2) Cite in-house classroom courses tailor-made for management employees as the single most frequently used MD method; (3) Cite planned on-the-job training as the single most effective MD method; and (4) Rely heavily on written individual development plans for assessing the learning needs of management employees.
Oscillatory instabilities in rapid directional solidification: bifurcation theory

Abstract Merchant and Davis performed a linear stability analysis on a model for the rapid directional solidification a dilute binary alloy. The model has a velocity-dependent distribution coefficient and liquidus slope, and a linear form for attachment kinetics. The analysis revealed that in addition to the Mullins and Sekerka cellular mode there is a new oscillatory instability; the zero wavenumber pulsatile mode is most dangerous in the linear theory. In the present paper, a weakly nonlinear analysis is performed to describe the nonlinear behavior of this oscillatory mode. The analysis leads to a complex Ginzburg-Landau equation governing the evolution of the solid-liquid interface shape. Parametric regions of supercritical (subcritical) bifurcation giving smooth (jump) transitions to the pulsatile mode are demarked. Further analysis is made to determine how non-zero wavenumber disturbances compete with the zero wavenumber pulsation. In the low speed limit, these disturbances have a relatively broad range of wavenumbers in which they are stable. In the high speed limit, only very long waves are selected. The very long waves correspond approximately to solute bands, in which the solute distribution in the solid is layered in the direction of growth with no lateral segregation. In the three-dimensional case, spiral waves are solutions to the Ginzburg-Landau equation and these may be related to the spiral waves that have been observed by Thoma et al. in melt spinning.
Applicability of Roothaan's Self-Consistent Field Theory

Roothaan's open-shell self-consistent field theory is extended in such a way that it can cover a number of important classes of atomic and molecular states which are not included in the range of applicability originally claimed.
Growth Hormone Increases Final Height in Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Data from a Randomized Controlled Study

Background: GH treatment stimulates growth in short children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The extent to which this therapy increases final height is not known. Methods: Thirty-one growth-retarded children with systemic and polyarticular idiopathic arthritis were enrolled in this controlled study. After a mean observational time of 8.4 yr, final height was reached in 13 patients (seven females and six males) treated with GH for a mean of 6.7 yr in a dose of 0.33 mg/kg body weight per week. Eighteen patients (12 females and six males) served as an untreated control group. Results: Mean increment in height in the treatment group was 1.6 ± 0.8 sd, whereas the patients of the control group lost 0.7 ± 1.8 sd. Overall, mean final height in the treatment group was −1.6 sd and in the control group −3.4 sd. More GH-treated patients reached a final height within target height than untreated patients (11 of 13 vs. four of 18). Disease activity markers had a significant influence on height outcome. After ...
Congruence of Adolescents' Self-Concepts and Parents' Perceptions of Adolescents' Self-Concepts

Summary The purpose of the study was to compare parents' perceptions of their adolescent (ninth-grade) children with perceptions of the adolescents about themselves. Other purposes included comparisons of “misunderstood” and “understood” children, mothers and fathers, boys and girls, and parents' perceptions of how their adolescents perceive themselves. Ss were 50 boys and 50 girls and their parents from a Southeastern university town of about 50,000 population. The families were of predominantly middle-class background with education and occupation of parents somewhat above-average. Instruments used were an adaptation of Gordon's “How I See Myself” and “How I See My Child” with the addition of one factor (Parent-Teenager Relations) from Offer's “Self-Image Questionnaire.” The data supported the hypotheses that parents perceive their adolescents more favorably than the adolescents perceive themselves; that mothers and fathers agree in their perceptions of their offspring; that parents' perceptions of thei...
Ehrlichia chaffeensis human monocytic ehrlichiosis with pancytopenia.

To the Editor,Ehrlichia are rickettsial-like organisms and are obligate intracellular parasites that affect the white blood cells (WBCs), i.e., macrophages, granulocytes, and lymphocytes. Clinicall...
Uniqueness of the group topology of some homeomorphism groups

In this paper, we generalize a theorem of Kallman [2, Theorem 1.1] and we resolve the unsettled case there.
Event metadata records as a testbed for scalable data mining

At a data rate of 200 hertz, event metadata records (TAGs, in ATLAS parlance) provide fertile grounds for development and evaluation of tools for scalable data mining. It is easy, of course, to apply HEP-specific selection or classification rules to event records and to label such an exercise data mining, but our interest is different. Advanced statistical methods and tools such as classification, association rule mining, and cluster analysis are common outside the high energy physics community. These tools can prove useful, not for discovery physics, but for learning about our data, our detector, and our software. A fixed and relatively simple schema makes TAG export to other storage technologies such as HDF5 straightforward. This simplifies the task of exploiting very-large-scale parallel platforms such as Argonne National Laboratory's BlueGene/P, currently the largest supercomputer in the world for open science, in the development of scalable tools for data mining. Using a domain-neutral scientific data format may also enable us to take advantage of existing data mining components from other communities. There is, further, a substantial literature on the topic of one-pass algorithms and stream mining techniques, and such tools may be inserted naturally at various points in the event data processing and distribution chain. This paper describes early experience with event metadata records from ATLAS simulation and commissioning as a testbed for scalable data mining tool development and evaluation.
A Probabilistic Economic Analysis of the Transportation of GTL Blends Through TAPS

Abstract The Alaska North Slope is a potential candidate for gas to liquid (GTL) technology. With over 38 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of natural gas reserves stranded on the Alaska North Slope, GTL technology is considered as a possible method of harnessing the abundant resources. The main objective of this study is to perform a complete economic evaluation using rate of return analysis and the net present value to identify the most favorable commingled mode for the transportation of the GTL products. Crystal Ball software was also used to run sensitivity analysis by using the probabilistic approach to give a clear view of the various scenarios on the project economics. Evaluating the options of transporting GTL products as a blend (commingled) with the Alaska North Slope crude oil through the existing Trans-Alaska Pipeline System is the main focus of this study.
Effects of racing and training on serum thyroid hormone concentrations in racing Greyhounds.

Objectives—To determine the effects of racing and training on serum thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations in Greyhounds. Animals—9 adult racing Greyhounds. Procedure—Serum thyroid hormone concentrations were measured before and 5 minutes after a race in dogs trained to race 500m twice weekly for 6 months. Resting concentrations were measured again when these dogs had been neutered and had not raced for 3 months. Postrace concentrations were adjusted relative to albumin concentration to allow for effects of hemoconcentration. Thyroid hormone concentrations were then compared with those of clinically normal dogs of non-Greyhound breeds. Results—When adjusted for hemoconcentration, total T4 concentrations increased significantly after racing and TSH concentrations decreased; however, there was no evidence of a change in free T4 or total or free T3 concentrations. Resting total T4 concentrations increased significantly when dogs had been neutered and were ...
Validation of an Interdisciplinary Food Safety Curriculum Targeted at Middle School Students and Correlated to State Educational Standards

ABSTRACT: Providing effective food safety education to young consumers is a national health priority to combat the nearly 76 million cases of foodborne illness in the United States annually. With the tremendous pressures on teachers for accountability in core subject areas, the focus of classrooms is on covering concepts that are tested on state performance examinations. As a result, topics such as food safety are rarely addressed in middle school classrooms. Middle school is an ideal time to teach food safety because adolescents are in the process of setting lifelong behaviors; therefore, they are more likely to synthesize new food safety knowledge in a way that will lead to the development of lifelong behaviors. The purpose of this study was to scientifically validate an educational resource that provides a method for classroom teachers to involve young consumers in food safety education while meeting state content area curriculum standards. An interdisciplinary curriculum targeted at middle school students and correlated directly to state content standards was designed to include highly effective instructional strategies that teach food safety concepts through all core subject classes (science, math, social studies, and language arts). The curriculum was pilot tested in 5 schools using a pretest, posttest, and follow-up test assessment model. The results showed that the curriculum was highly effective at raising student knowledge (21% gain) and improving students' food handling behaviors (8.47% gain) from pretests to posttests. In addition, 6 wk after implementation, students retained 86% of their total knowledge gain as measured by a follow-up assessment.
Analysis of the Nutritional Content of Myocastor coypus

The present investigation was designed to determine the nutritional content of Myocastor coypus (nutria). Proximates, total petroleum ether extractable fatty acids, cholesterol, iron, sodium, calcium, vitamins A and C were determined. In comparing male versus female and young versus old nutria there were no differences in protein and moisture; however, there were significant differences in total petroleum ether extractable fat, ash, and cholesterol content. Average results for meat from all animals were 1.3 g for total petroleum ether extractable fat, 1.0 g ash, 22.1 g protein, 36 mg for cholesterol, 1.7 mg for iron, 67 mg for sodium, and 5.2 mg for calcium per 100 g wet weight. Nutria petroleum ether extractable fat was generally richer in saturated (43%) than mono (33%) and polyunsaturated fat (24%). As expected, nutria was not a good source of vitamins A and C. In summary, nutria is an excellent nutritional source of protein which is low in fat and cholesterol. Thus, nutria meat provides a healthy alternative food which complies with current healthy and dietary recommendations for low fat, low cholesterol diets.
Periareolar Nonpuerperal Breast Infection: Treatment of 38 Cases

Periareolar nonpuerperal breast infection is a troublesome entity whose treatment is still a matter of debate. Thirty-eight female patients--9 with acute infection and 29 with chronic infection--were prospectively studied over a 3-year period. Sixty isolates were harvested from 50 pus specimens obtained by fine-needle aspiration, with a predominance of staphylococci (23 isolates) and peptostreptococci (18 isolates). On the basis of these findings, an antimicrobial regimen consisting most often of amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid was administered for 6-8 weeks. Simultaneous surgery was required in 13 cases (34.2%). Despite a good response during therapy, 7 (21.9%) of 32 patients relapsed during a follow-up period of < or = 3 years; all 7 patients had presented with chronic infection. We conclude that prolonged therapy with agents active against both staphylococci and anaerobes is essential in periareolar breast infection; in cases with an established fistula, radical surgery (i.e., fistulotomy or fistulectomy) appears inevitable.
Cooperative calcium binding by the phospholipid binding region of bovine prothrombin: A requirement for intact disulfide bridges☆

Abstract The Fragment 1 portion of bovine prothrombin binds 10 moles of calcium per mol of polypeptide with an isotherm which shows positive cooperativity. The Hill plot derived from the binding data has a slope of 1.50 and the 10 binding sites are 50% saturated at a Ca 2+ concentration of 0.63 m m in 0.05 m Tris-HCl, pH 8.0 and 0.1 m NaCl. Reduction of the four disulfide bridges in Fragment 1 eliminates the cooperativity of the Ca 2+ binding and reduces the average affinity of the polypeptide for Ca 2+ by a factor of 20. Similar experiments on bovine blood clotting Factor X also show positive cooperativity in binding 20 mol of Ca 2+ per mol of native protein with loss of cooperativity and diminished affinity for Ca 2+ upon disulfide reduction. Separate Ca 2+ binding determinations on each of the two isolated chains of Factor X suggest that the Ca 2+ binding capacity of this protein is a property of the smaller, light polypeptide chain.
Fast Monte Carlo-assisted simulation of hyperspectral earth backgrounds

A physics-based calculation method has been developed for rapidly synthesizing radiometrically accurate spectral imagery of the Earth incorporating 3-D cloud effects. The method combines measured surface reflectance imagery with 3-D cloud radiance calculations and 1-D atmospheric radiation transport. Cloud property images are pre-calculated with the MCScene Monte Carlo code [1]; a data fusion-based method is used to speed convergence. These images are combined on-the-fly with surface and upper atmospheric descriptions using a radiation transport equation incorporating atmospheric spatial dependence. The method enables arbitrary combinations of sensor and sun location, cloud field and surface to be assembled on-the-fly and provides hyperspectral resolution with minimal computational effort. The simulations have a realistic appearance and agree well with much more time-consuming direct MCScene calculations.
Intracorporeal partial artificial hearts: initial results in ten patients.

We have initiated clinical trials with an intracorporeal (abdominal) partial artificial heart during the past year. Ten pre-terminal, post-cardiotomy patients have been studied in strict compliance with institutional and federal protocols, including prior informed consent*† We have learned that emergency implantation and subsequent elective removal of the device is feasible. Its hemodynamic effectiveness over a wide range of left ventricular dysfunctions has been demonstrated. Substantial, reproducible, electrocardiographic, hemodynamic and angiographic evidence has been accumulated to support our hypothesis that the human left ventricle can recover from profound depression during prolonged ALVAD support and that an adherent, biocompatible, bioderived pseudo-neointima develops on the textured surface of the pump within 24 hours following implantation. The device is six to ten times more effective than IABP pumping in man and has maintained systemic perfusion during clinical asystole and ventricular fibrillation. Although there have been no long-term survivors, in two instances ventricular recovery was sufficient to allow removal of the device six to seven days after implantation. The ultimate causes of death were right ventricular failure and/or extracardiac multiple organ failure. The current limiting factors are overcoming varying degrees of institutional and/or physician reluctance in utilization of the device and earlier deployment prior to the onset of 1) hemorrhagic diatheses which preclude optimal postimplantation anticoagulation regimens (A.S.A., Persantin & Coumadin); 2) right heart failure which closely follows left heart failure; and 3) multiple organ failure which accompanies prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass and is exacerbated by overzealous pharmacologic support. The early results are encouraging; continued, cautious clinical trials seem indicated.
The United States in Asia: A Historical Dictionary

Preface Place Names Chronology Introduction The Dictionary Chiefs of American Diplomatic Missions in Asia, 1843-1989 List of Individuals by Profession and Occupation Bibliographical Essay Index
An Examination of Reduction Techniques for Determining the Linke Turbidity Factor

Abstract Standard reduction techniques for the Linke turbidity factor are examined and found to yield errors of as much as 10%, resulting from a failure to recognize the importance of the wavelength sensitivities of pyrheliometers and the assumption that the turbidity factor is constant with air mass. A preferred turbidity factor is recommended and is shown to exhibit remarkable linearity with aerosol optical depth.
Quantitative high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of the commercial dyestuff G acid and Gama acid

Abstract A convenient and accurate quantitative analytical method for the commercial dye products G acid, and Gama acid, has been established by ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Good resolution among G acid, Schaeffer acid, R acid, Gama acid and amino-G acid was achieved. Appropriate selection of UV detection wavelength, 230 nm, has resulted in linear absorption responses over a wide concentration range, 0–8 μg. The application of the method to a study of the rate of ammonolysis of G acid to amino-G acid is described.
Dietary fat intake among urban, African American adolescents

This study examined commonly consumed high-fat food sources to estimate dietary fat intake among 314 urban, African American adolescents (mean age (SD)=12.57 (.98) years; 66% female; 91% African American non-Hispanic; and 9% African American Hispanic). Youths' fat intake was measured using the Block Fat Screener. Most (77%) participants had diets very high in fat (i.e., 40% to 50% of energy). Mean frequencies of consumption revealed youths' preferences for the following high-fat food items: corn chips, potato chips, popcorn, and crackers; fried chicken; and doughnuts, pastries, cake, and cookies. Total fat intake differed based on youths' age. Urban, African American adolescents can benefit from intervention to lower their fat intake. Programs that target and address the food preferences and eating habits of this population are clearly needed.
Leaf life span and the leaf economic spectrum in the context of whole plant architecture

Summary 1. The leaf economics spectrum (LES) has been an organizing framework of plant functional ecology for the past decade. The LES describes a set of trade-offs among traits related to plant carbon balance. Species with a long leaf life span (LLS) invest additional material for leaf protection and structural support and consequently tend to have a lower leaf photosynthetic rate per unit mass than species with a shorter LLS. 2. While the LES is most apparent in comparing species with extreme differences in their traits, it has nonetheless been adopted as a general explanation of leaf trait variation at all scales and in all plants. It highlights the ‘trait-based’ approach to plant ecology, which has generally used a small set of traits to predict whole organism and even whole ecosystem attributes. Few studies have investigated the relationships between LES traits and organismal attributes not directly related to carbon economy. 3. We explored the LES in 32 deciduous woody species of Viburnum (Adoxaceae). We found no evidence for any mass-based LES trade-offs. Rather, on an area basis, photosynthetic rates were positively correlated with leaf mass per area (LMA); higher LMA was associated with greater investment in photosynthetic tissue, with most of the variation due to changes in the thickness of photosynthetic mesophyll. 4. Species’ mean LLS varied between 19 and 26 weeks and was not correlated with other LES traits. Instead, LLS was strongly associated with the diverse set of whole-plant branching patterns in Viburnum. In the most common growth pattern, LLS was significantly correlated with flowering time, because branches end in terminal inflorescences, and all leaves and inflorescences are preformed in overwintering buds. 5. Synthesis. Plants may recover the cost of their leaves early in the growing season, allowing LLS to vary independently of the plant carbon budget. In deciduous species, LLS may be strongly influenced by whole plant architecture, which, in Viburnum, is evolutionarily conserved. In general, positive area-based LES trait relationships will limit the relevance of LLS to this spectrum and allow LLS to vary for reasons that are not directly related to carbon economy.
High-moment corrections to the Drell-Yan cross section with an alternate parton density

We calculate order-${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}$ corrections to the Drell-Yan cross section $\frac{d\ensuremath{\sigma}}{d{Q}^{2}}$ using a previously defined alternate parton density. We find that the ${\mathrm{ln}}^{2}n$ corrections to the $n\mathrm{th}$ moment of the cross section are absorbed into the process-independent density.
Role of conflict of interest in scientific objectivity: a case of a Nobel Prize work.

The “objectivity”; of leading scientists is examined in light of their citations of other people's work when they are presenting their own work. Can “direct competitors”; be “objective”; in their views regarding historical credits? Can the reward system be influenced by bias citation? In this paper, we have examined the work of Brown and Goldstein on Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH), which led to their sharing the Nobel Prize in 1985. As an illustrative example of citations, we have analyzed the important contributions of Khachadurian to this work and have looked at how these • contributions were cited by Brown and Goldstein. We show evidence that Khachadurian was a major contributor to the discoveries which led to the diagnosis and mechanism of FH. However, it appears that only part of these discoveries were adequately cited by Brown and Goldstein. Moreover, the part of the work that was not adequately cited by Brown and Goldstein may have contributed to inadequate citation by everyone else in the scie...
FDG-PET changes in brain glucose metabolism from normal cognition to pathologically verified Alzheimer's disease

Purpose We report the first clinicopathological series of longitudinal FDG-PET scans in post-mortem (PM) verified cognitively normal elderly (NL) followed to the onset of Alzheimer’s-type dementia (DAT), and in patients with mild DAT with progressive cognitive deterioration.
Negative refraction using Raman transitions and chirality

We present a scheme that achieves negative refraction with low absorption in far-off resonant atomic systems. The scheme utilizes Raman resonances and does not require the simultaneous presence of an electric-dipole transition and a magnetic-dipole transition near the same wavelength. We show that two interfering Raman tran-sitions coupled to a magnetic-dipole transition can achieve a negative index of refraction with low absorption through magnetoelectric cross-coupling. We confirm the validity of the analytical results with exact numerical simulations of the density matrix. We also discuss possible experimental implementations of the scheme in rare-earth metal atomic systems.
On the mechanism of chorismate mutases: Revisiting structural requirements for catalysis

Abstract The behavior of nor-chorismic acid 7 has now been tested against three different chorismate mutases. Notably, 7 is not a substrate for Bacillus subtilis mutase, but is a weak competitive inhibitor (K I = 0.5 mM).
Isovector magnetic dipole sum rules in ( d s)- shell

Linear-energy weighted sum-rules (LEWSR) are calculated for isovector magnetic dipole transitions from the ground state in some (d s)-shell nuclei. It is found that the well-known Kurath sum rule is inadequate to explain the experimental transition strengths in these nuclei. A significant contribution to the sum-rule is seen to arise from the two-body part of the Hamiltonian. The calculations are made using the spectral distribution methods.
Improving the Performance of a Littrow-type Infra-Red Spectrometer

IN a recent communication in Nature, A. Walsh1 suggested a means of improving the performance of a commercial infra-red spectrometer by adding extra plane mirrors so that the radiation traverses the prism four times instead of twice, and then chopping the partly dispersed radiation so that only the wanted radiation is interrupted and consequently measured. The advantages claimed are that the instrument is in effect converted into a double-monochromator with improved resolution and complete freedom from stray light even at 15 μ.
Phenotypic characterization ofPhotobacterium logei (sp. nov.), a species related toP. fischeri

Ten luminous marine bacteria having the diagnostic traits ofPhotobacterium fischeri but differing from this species in their ability to grow at 4°C have been subjected to a more extensive phenotypic characterization. The results indicated a high phenotypic similarity toP. fischeri; the major additional diagnostic trait was their inability to grow at 30°C. In these properties the isolates resembled a previously characterized nonluminous strain, ATCC 15382, which had a DNA homology of about 40% toP. fischeri. Immunological comparisons of the glutamine synthetases and Fe-superoxide dismutases of these strains as well as additional properties that are discussed indicated that the ten luminous isolates and strain ATCC 15382 constituted a new species, which we have designatedPhotobacterium logei sp. nov. (type strain 584, ATCC 29985).
Age Decreases Nitric Oxide Synthase-Containing Nerve Fibers in the Rat Penis

ABSTRACTPurpose: To study the effect of aging on erectile function in a rat model.Materials and Methods: We investigated: 1) the number and distribution of nerve fibers within the corpus cavernosum and dorsal nerve containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS); and 2) the erectile response to apomorphine (a central dopamine receptor agonist), electrostimulation of the cavernous nerve, and intracorporeal papaverine injection.Results: The number of NOS-containing nerve fibers was significantly less in the old rats (24 months) than in the young (2.5 months) and intermediate (8.5 months)-aged (63.3 +/- 3.35 vs. 135.1 +/- 10.88 [p <or= to 0.0002] and 127.8 +/- 11.65 [p <or= to 0.0002]). The number of erections induced by apomorphine was significantly less in the old rats than in the young (1.0 +/- 3.1 vs. 3.6 +/- 0.26; p <0.002). With electrostimulation, the latency period before the onset of the intracavernous pressure rise was noted to increase with age (2.3 +/- 0.24 sec....
Evaluation of GAFCHROMIC® EBT film for CyberKnife® dosimetry

External beam therapy (EBT) GAFCHROMIC film is evaluated for dosimetry and characterization of the CyberKnife radiation beams. Percentage depth doses, lateral beam profiles, and output factors are measured in solid water using EBT GAFCHROMIC film (International Specialty Products, Wayne, NJ) for the 6 MV radiation beams of diameter 5 to 60 mm produced by the CyberKnife (Accuray, Sunnyvale, CA). The data are compared to those measured with the PTW 60008 diode and the Wellhofer CC01 ion chamber in water. For the small radiation field sizes used in stereotactic radiosurgery, lateral electronic disequilibrium and steep dose gradients exist in a large portion of these fields, requiring the use of high-resolution measurement techniques. For small beams, the detector size approaches the dimensions of the beam and adversely affects measurement accuracy in regions where the gradient varies across the detector. When film is the detector, the scanning system is usually the resolution-limiting component. Radiographic films based upon silver halide (AgH) emulsions are widely used for relative dosimetry of external radiation treatment beams in the megavoltage energy range, because of their good spatial resolution and capability to provide integrated dosimetry over two dimensions. Film dosimetry, however, has drawbacks due to its steep energy dependence at low photon energies as well as film processor and densitometer artifacts. EBT radiochromic film, introduced in 2004 specifically for IMRT dosimetry, may be a detector of choice for the characterization of small radiosurgical beams, because of its near-tissue equivalence, radiation beam energy independence, high spatial resolution, and self developing properties. For radiation beam sizes greater than 10 mm, the film measurements were identical to those of the diode and ion chamber. For the smaller beam diameters of 7.5 and 5 mm, however, there were differences in the data measured with the different detectors, which are attributed to their different spatial resolution and non-water-equivalence.
Assessing Intellectual Development: Three Approaches, One Sequence

In this paper, I compare three developmental assessment systems, employed to score a set of 152 interviews of engineering students: the Perry Scoring System (W. G. Perry, 1970), the Hierarchical Complexity Scoring System (T. L. Dawson, 2004, 1/31/03), and the Lexical Abstraction Assessment System (LAAS; T. L. Dawson & M. Wilson, in press). Overall, the Hierarchical Complexity Scoring System and Perry Scoring System agree with one another within the parameters of interrater agreement commonly reported for either one of the systems, and the Perry system and the LAAS agree with one another about as well as the LAAS and the Hierarchical Complexity Scoring System, upon which the LAAS is based.
Pulsed Fiber-Optical Parametric Oscillators in the Near Infrared

We review the progress in fiber optical parametric oscillators. Different implementations operating from 400 nm through 1650 nm in wavelength and with average powers of 100 mW have been reported and steady performance improvements continue.
The epidemiology of physical activity in children, college students, middleaged men, menopausal females and monkeys

Although the inverse relationship between physical activity and coronary heart disease (CHD) has been well documented, little is known concerning the epidemiology of physical activity. A primary reason for the lack of knowledge has been a problem of quantification of physical activity. We have employed the Large-Scale-Integrated (LSI)Activity Monitor in five diverse populations to measure individual physical activity levels. The results indicated that the instrument can accurately index individual physical activity levels, as well as to provide important information concerning the epidemiology of physical activity.
Steric influences on spin-lattice relaxation rates of methyl protons in substituted aromatic molecules

Proton spin-lattice relaxation rates (R1 values) have been measured at 400 MHz for a series of substituted aromatic compounds to determine the steric effects of ortho substituents on the R1 values of the methyl groups. These values have been interpreted on the basis of differences in the barriers to methyl group rotation caused by the substituent, resulting in changes in the contributions from the dipolar and the spin-rotation relaxation mechanisms. A significant dynamic range of methyl R1 values has been observed, showing that these measurements are sensitive to the steric environment.
Sympathetic activity following paraventricular or ventromedial hypothalamic lesions in rats

The present experiment was designed to measure the sympathetic firing rate of nerve filaments to interscapular brown adipose tissue in rats with acute and chronic lesions in the ventromedial hypothalamus or paraventricular nucleus. Female rats received injections of kainic acid into either the paraventricular nucleus or the ventromedial hypothalamus. The sympathetic activity was measured by recording the firing rate of nerve filaments to interscapular brown adipose tissue after mounting the filaments on silver wire electrodes connected to an amplifier and rate meter. In acute experiments performed 30 minutes after the lesion, the basal firing rate was reduced in both groups and was significantly lower in the VMH-lesioned rats than in those with PVN lesions. In the chronic experiment kainic acid was injected into the VMH or PVN and the sympathetic firing rate was measured 7 to 9 days later. Both lesioned groups gained more weight than controls, but the VMH-lesioned rats gained more weight than the PVN-lesioned rats. The basal firing rate of sympathetic nerve filaments in the VMH-lesioned rats was lower than in the other groups. There was no significant difference in the sympathetic activity between PVN-lesioned and control rats. These experiments support the hypothesis that lesions of the ventromedial hypothalamus reduce the sympathetic activity but that lesions in the paraventricular nucleus do not.
Organization and Myogenic Restricted Expression of the Murine Serum Response Factor Gene A ROLE FOR AUTOREGULATION

Serum response factor (SRF), a member of an ancient family of DNA-binding proteins, is generally assumed to be a ubiquitous transcription factor involved in regulating growth factor-responsive genes. However, avian SRF was recently shown (Croissant, J. D., Kim, J.-H., Eichele, G., Goering, L., Lough, J., Prywes, R., and Schwartz, R. J. (1996) Dev. Biol. 177, 250–264) to be preferentially expressed in myogenic lineages and is required for regulating post-replicative muscle gene expression. Given the central importance of SRF for the muscle tissue-restricted expression of the striated α-actin gene family, we wanted to determine how SRF might contribute to this muscle-restricted expression. Here we have characterized the murine SRF genomic locus, which has seven exons interrupted by six introns, with the entire locus spanning 11 kilobases. Murine SRF transcripts were processed to two 3′-untranslated region polyadenylation signals, yielding 4.5- and 2.5-kilobase mRNA species. Murine SRF mRNA levels were the highest in adult skeletal and cardiac muscle, but barely detected in liver, lung, and spleen tissues. During early mouse development,in situ hybridization analysis revealed enrichment of SRF transcripts in the myotomal portion of somites, the myocardium of the heart, and the smooth muscle media of vessels of mouse embryos. Likewise, murine SRF promoter activity was tissue-restricted, being 80-fold greater in primary skeletal myoblasts than in liver-derived HepG2 cells. In addition, SRF promoter activity increased 6-fold when myoblasts withdrew from the cell cycle and fused into differentiated myotubes. A 310-base pair promoter fragment depended upon multiple intact serum response elements in combination with Sp1 sites for maximal myogenic restricted activity. Furthermore, cotransfected SRF expression vector stimulated SRF promoter transcription, whereas dominant-negative SRF mutants blocked SRF promoter activity, demonstrating a positive role for an SRF-dependent autoregulatory loop.
Cutaneous involvement in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.

Background. Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia has been associated with various nonspecific cutaneous manifestations. Rarely has the leukemia been reported to directly affect the skin. Methods. This case documents the progression of a patient who ultimately developed chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, by clinical examination, hematologic parameters, dermatopathology, and bone marrow pathology. Results. The skin showed nonspecific cutaneous involvement, progressing to specific leukemic lesions parallel with increasing systemic and hematologic involvement. Conclusions. Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia can manifest with lesions of leukemia cutis. The possibility of nonspecific cutaneous involvement in the preleukemic phase exists.