cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the relationship between statistical distributions of defect size and fatigue life in 7050-T7451 thick plate and A356-T6 castings

The relationship between the distributions for the size of fatigue-initiating defects and fatigue life of 7050-T7451 thick plate and A356-T6 alloy castings reported previously in the literature were analyzed. Results showed that (i) the size of fatigue-initiating defects in all four datasets follow the Gumbel distribution, (ii) the fatigue life model based on the Paris-Erdogan law for crack propagation provides respectable fits to fatigue life data, and (iii) the statistical distribution for fatigue life based on the Gumbel distribution of defect size and the fatigue life model provides excellent fits to all datasets, (iv) this statistical distribution for fatigue life performs better than the lognormal and Weibull distributions commonly used to model variability in fatigue life of aluminum alloys.
BOLDER II study of quetiapine therapy for bipolar depression

Remarkably few randomized, controlled trials have evaluated therapies for the depressed phase of bipolar affective disorder. Two similar, 8-week, placebo-controlled bipolar depression studies (known by the acronyms BOLDER I and BOLDER II) were conducted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the atypical antipsychotic quetiapine (300 and 600 mg/day) as monotherapy for bipolar type I and type II depressive episodes. Results of BOLDER II, summarized herein, replicated the findings of BOLDER I. Both doses of quetiapine were significantly more effective than placebo on primary and secondary measures of depressive symptoms. Remission rates on the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale were also significantly greater in both quetiapine dose groups (300 mg: 52%; 600 mg: 52%) compared with placebo (37%). Quetiapine therapy was effective in all subtypes of bipolar depression studied. There were no efficacy differences between the two doses of quetiapine. Common adverse events included dry mouth, sedation,...
CBF gradient changes elicited by visual stimulation and visual memory tasks

Normal volunteers underwent three successive scans of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) using the 133Xe inhalation technique during visual stimulation, a recognition memory task and a resting state defined by high EEG alpha content. Since the stimulation was virtually identical in both non-rest conditions, we were able to separate the CBF pattern resulting from simple stimulation and that resulting from the cognitive (recognition memory) component alone. These turned out to have very nearly opposite effects on the normal anterior-to-posterior resting state gradient: the sensory component diminished the gradient, while the cognitive component exaggerated it. It is suggested that these normative data can be of clinical value in the study of cerebral recovery/reorganization following post-traumatic amnesia.
Determination of the molecular symmetry of acetylene on Ni(001) by electron-impact scattering

Angle-dependent electron-energy-loss measurements of acetylene on Ni(001) are used to deduce molecular symmetry on the surface by consideration of selection rules for vibrational excitation by impact scattering. Chemisorbed acetylene has ${C}_{s}$ symmetry with a mirror plane along $〈110〉$ and a molecular plane tilted relative to the surface.
Deep Marine Dolomitization, Enewetak Atoll: ABSTRACT

Dolomite is present 1,250-1,400 m (4,100-4,600 ft) below sea level in Eocene strata of the Enewetak Atoll. Petrographically, the deep Enewetak dolomite postdates brittle compaction of rigid grains in the host Eocene strata. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of these dolomites (0.70865-0.70901) indicate that the dolomites formed mainly between middle Miocene and the present. Because the top of the lower Miocene is more than 900 m (2,900 ft) above the deep dolomitic interval, the dolomite must have formed at a minimum burial depth of 900 m (2,900 ft). Stable oxygen isotope determinations suggest dolomite precipitation from cold marine water. Lower Miocene and Eocene carbonate strata on the atoll are currently in open communication with cold, modern ocean water and robably have been since deposition. At a depth of approximately 1,000 m (3,300 ft), modern Pacific Ocean water becomes undersaturated with respect to calcite but is still supersaturated with respect to dolomite. Therefore, it is proposed that the deep Enewetak dolomites precipitated from cold, deep ocean water (undersaturated with respect to calcite) percolating through the atoll at burial depths of more than 900 m (2,900 ft). End_Page 524------------------------------ At least 3 factors appear critical for marine dolomitization: (1) waters undersaturated with respect to calcite, but supersaturated with respect to dolomite; (2) permeable limestones; and (3) hydrologic position of those limestones where numerous pore volumes of undersaturated water will be flowing through. In the past, different oceanographic conditions may have caused some ancient seas to have relatively shallow calcite saturation depths. Many ancient dolomites found in atoll and reef-wall settings may have also precipitated in normal marine water. End_of_Article - Last_Page 525------------
Evidence for a Revised Ion/Substrate Coupling Stoichiometry of GABA Transporters

Plasma membrane γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporters (GATs) are electrogenic transport proteins that couple the cotranslocation of Na+, Cl−, and GABA across the plasma membrane of neurons and glia. A fundamental property of the transporter that determines its ability to concentrate GABA in cells and, hence, regulate synaptic and extra-synaptic GABA concentrations, is the ion/substrate coupling stoichiometry. Here, we scrutinized the currently accepted 2 Na+:1 Cl−:1 GABA stoichiometry because it is inconsistent with the measured net charge translocated per co-substrate (Na+, Cl−, and GABA). We expressed GAT1 and GAT3 in Xenopus laevis oocytes and utilized thermodynamic and uptake under voltage-clamp measurements to determine the stoichiometry of the GABA transporters. Voltage-clamped GAT1-expressing oocytes were internally loaded with GABA, and the reversal potential (V rev) of the transporter-mediated current was recorded at different external concentrations of Na+, Cl−, or GABA. The shifts in V rev for a tenfold change in the external Na+, Cl−, and GABA concentration were 84 ± 4, 30 ± 1, and 29 ± 1 mV, respectively. To determine the net charge translocated per Na+, Cl−, and GABA, we measured substrate fluxes under voltage clamp in cells expressing GAT1 or GAT3. Charge flux to substrate flux ratios were 0.7 ± 0.1 charge/Na+, 2.0 ± 0.2 charges/Cl−, and 2.1 ± 0.1 charges/GABA. Altogether, our results strongly suggest a 3 Na+:1 Cl−:1 GABA coupling stoichiometry for the GABA transporters. The revised stoichiometry has important implications for understanding the contribution of GATs to GABAergic signaling in health and disease.
Implications of developments in cognitive neuroscience for psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

(2002). Implications of Developments in Cognitive Neuroscience for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Harvard Review of Psychiatry: Vol. 10, No. 6, pp. 369-373.
Inhibition of diapause inPieris rapae L. by brief supplementary photophases

Es wurde festgestellt, dass u.a. auchPieris rapae L. auf eine kurze nachtliche Beleuchtung antwortet, die einer wirkungslosen, taglich wiederkehrenden kurzen Photophase hinzugefugt wird. Die beiPieris, gefundene wirksame 5minutige Beleuchtung ist die kurzeste Photophase, die bis jetzt fur die Hemmung der Diapause bei Insekten bekannt geworden ist.
Distribution-free bounds on the expectation of the maximum with scheduling applications

Let X"1, X"2, ..., X"n be independent random variables with a fixed, common parent distribution for which the p-th moment E|X|^p is defined. Then the maximum order statistics X"("n") grows at a rate that is o(n^1^/^p^) in expectation, in probability and a.e. Explicit bounds of this order can be given for EX"("n") in terms of the moments of X. Thus the expectation of the extreme grows slowly with the sample size. This observation is applied to the speed-up realized by parallel computation, and to the performance of scheduling policies.
ORIC RF System - Preparation for HHIRF

The integration of the Oak Ridge Isochronous Cyclotron (ORIC) into the Holifield Heavy Ion Research Facility (HHIRF) requires several RF system modifications to permit injection of ion beams from the 25 MV tandem electrostatic accelerator into ORIC. A new dee eliminates structural interference with the injected beam path and provides an opportunity to improve the mechanical stability of the resonator and to reduce RF voltage gradients in areas susceptible to sparking. Space for structural improvements is realized by reducing the ion beam aperture from 4.8 cm to 2.4 cm. The complexity of the original ORIC RF power system has been substantially reduced. A new broadband solid state driver amplifier between the frequency synthesizer and the main power amplifier eliminates most circuit tuning and permits the use of a new simplified dee RF voltage regulator loop. Most of the remaining instrumentation and control circuitry is TTL compatible and will eventually tie to the ORIC computer control system through a CAMAC interface.
Maximum principles for weakly coupled parabolic systems

Maximum principles and bounds for solutions of weakly coupled second order parabolic systems, Mu + Cu = 0 or f in (n>1) are established by using the idea of Liapunov's Second Method. Here is a second order real parabolic operator, and the m×l vectors f, u, and the mxm matrix C all have entries which are complex-valued functions.
Water use efficiency and dry matter distribution in nitrogen- and water-stressed winter wheat

Water use efficiency (WUE) and the distribution of dry matter to the roots in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are potential selection criteria for improving yield under water stress. The objectives of this research were (i) to compare methods of measuring WUE, and (3) to determine the distribution of dry matter between shoots and roots in water- and N-stressed wheat. Winter wheat was grown in a potting mixture for 6 wk in growth chambers with varying levels of N and water. Nitrogen applied to the mixture varied from 10 to 100 mg N per plant. Water supply was maintained at 15 to 35% of the mixture water holding capacity (stressed) to above 50% of capacity (well watered). Cumulative transpiration, steady-state CO₂ and H₂O exchange rates, and dry matter were determined. The ratio of dry matter production (mmol C) to transpiration (mol H₂O) averaged 1.39 and 1.94 mmol C mol⁻¹ H₂O for the 10 and 100 mg N treatments, respectively. The ratio of the steady state CO₂ exchange rate to the H₂O exchange rate was 1.97 and 4.24 mmol C mol⁻¹ H₂0 for the 10 and 100 mg N treatments, respectively. The gas exchange WUE values tended to be higher than the gravimetric WUE values, but the two were correlated (r = 0.76**). Results supported the hypothesis that gas exchange WUE values could provide an accurate prediction of WUE values obtained from gravimetric analysis. Shookroot ratio was consistently reduced by N stress, but not by water stress. The results supported previous observations that optimal leaf N concentration promoted higher WUE. Mild water stress did not consistently affect WUE, but a more severe water stress consistently decreased WUE, especially under suboptimal N supply. Contribution from the Dep. Agronomy and Agric. Exp. Stn., Oklahoma State Univ., Journal article 5390
Current perspective on Lyme borreliosis.

SELECTED CASE A 29-year-old woman presented with knee and elbow pain of 12 days' duration. Twelve weeks earlier in mid-June she had been working in a craft center at a camp on the Chesapeake Bay, Md, but spent much recreational time biking through wooded and open coastland. She recalled scratching a slightly pruritic area on her See also p 1364. lower thigh in early July. Several days later she noticed a circular area of intense redness, approximately 8 cm in diameter, which she attributed to irritation from scratching. Over the next 10 days, the rash grew considerably larger, showing a red outer border more visible than the center. The rash then disappeared gradually. In late July, she felt unusually hot and fatigued, experienced headache and intermittent nausea for 5 days, and had difficulty sleeping and concentrating both at work and while biking. For about 36 hours she had mild pain
Development of efficient cutting patterns to maximize value with a log-allocation constraint

This research investigates an economic component of harvesting operations not previously studied for steep-slope thinning harvests in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) stands. Pacific Northwest log manufacturing was explored to evaluate revenue improvement through bucking-to-value strategies. A previous study evaluated a reduced set of log lengths that approach computer-generated optimal values and the potential for development of a bucking decision tool for field crews. This study sought value optimization with a log-allocation constraint through the application of a simulated annealing (SA) heuristic approach for the reduced set of log lengths to create the bucking pattern cutting instruction card. A reduced set of five log lengths (two mill-length logs and three woods-lengths resulting from combinations of the mill lengths) was evaluated for value recovery. Resulting values obtained 96 and 98% of full set optimal values for 45- and 65-year-old stands, respectively. Value recovery exceeded current una...
ASK NOT What CRP Can Do for You

The clinical utility of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) testing in patients being considered for statin therapy or already taking statins is an area of intense interest. Creative avenues of investigation into the vascular biology of inflammation have taken the concept of atherosclerotic
Nonlinear identification of a gasoline HCCI engine using neural networks coupled with principal component analysis

Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) is a futuristic combustion technology that operates with high efficiency and reduced emissions. HCCI combustion is characterized by complex nonlinear dynamics which necessitates the use of a predictive model in controller design. Developing a physics based model for HCCI involves significant development times and associated costs arising from developing simulation models and calibration. In this paper, a neural networks (NN) based methodology is reported where black box type models are developed to predict HCCI combustion behavior during transient operation. The NN based approach can be considered a low cost and quick alternative to the traditional physics based modeling. A multi-input single-output model was developed each for indicated net mean effective pressure, combustion phasing, maximum in-cylinder pressure rise rate and equivalent air-fuel ratio. The two popular architectures namely multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and radial basis network (RBN) models were compared with respect to design, prediction performance and overall applicability to the transient HCCI modeling problem. A principal component analysis (PCA) is done as a pre-processing step to reduce input dimension thereby reducing memory requirements of the models. Also, PCA reduces the cross-validation time required to identify optimal model hyper-parameters. On comparing the model predictions with the experimental data, it was shown that neural networks can be a powerful approach for non-linear identification of a complex combustion system like the HCCI engine.
Effect of aminoglutethimide on murine fetal hepatic erythroid colony formation

Pretreatment of pregnant mice with aminoglutethimide phosphate, an inhibitor of glucocorticoid synthesis, increases the content of fetal liver erythroid colony-forming cells (CFU-E), as assessed by the formation of erythroid colonies in vitro by fetal liver cells in plasma clots containing exogenous erythropoietin. In addition, the inability of aminoglutethimide to influence erythroid colony formation in vitro suggests that endogenous glucocorticoids exert a suppressive effect on the number of functional CFU-E in the fetal liver.
Pseudoreplication: a sine qua non for regional ecology

We question whether classical experimentation is adequate for real progress in landscape or regional ecology. One cannot do classical experimentation unless one can replicate the treatment. There is conflict between the need to replicate and the need to study processes at appropriately large scales.
Analysis of a Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Mutation Reveals an Essential Internal Ribosome Entry Site Element in the Connexin-32 Gene

A mutation located in the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) of the nerve-specific connexin-32 mRNA, previously found in a family with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTX), was analyzed for its effect on the expression of a reporter gene (luciferase) in transgenic mice and in transfected cells. Whereas both mutant and wild-type genes appeared to be transcribed and spliced efficiently, no luciferase was detected from the mutant in either system, suggesting that the mutation affects translation of the mRNA. When the 5′-UTR of nerve-specific connexin-32 mRNA was inserted between the two genes of a bicistronic vector and transfected into various cell lines, expression of the second gene was significantly increased. Because the mutant did not facilitate translation of the second gene in the bicistronic mRNA system, this result suggested that the CMTX mutation abolished function of an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) in the 5′-UTR of the wild-type connexin-32 mRNA. The CMTX phenotype of the mutant 5′-UTR further suggested that the wild-type IRES was essential for the translation of the connexin-32 mRNA in nerve cells. In addition, other sequence elements of the connexin-32 IRES were characterized by mutation analysis. A mutation in either of the first two elements investigated showed loss of IRES function, whereas mutation of a third element showed gain of function.
Strategy for identification of sequence variants in COL7A1 and a novel 2-bp deletion mutation in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

The diagnostic hallmark of the dystrophic forms of epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), a group of heritable blistering skin diseases, is abnormalities in the anchoring fibrils at the dermal-epidermal basement membrane zone. Since type VII collagen is the major, if not the exclusive, component of the anchoring fibrils, the corresponding gene (COL7A1) is the candidate gene in DEB. Recent cloning of the type VII collagen cDNA and elucidation of the exon-intron organization of the gene have provided the basis for us to develop a novel strategy for identification of sequence variants in COL7A1. Optimization of 72 balanced primer pairs corresponding to flanking intronic sequences allowed PCR amplification of all 118 exons directly from genomic DNA. The PCR products were examined by heteroduplex analysis followed by comparative nucleotide sequencing. More than 100 sequence variants have been identified thus far in COL7A1 using this method, some of which are single base pair polymorphisms and many of which are pathogenetic mutations contributing to the blistering phenotype in DEB. The comprehensive method described is useful for rapid, reliable, and sensitive detection of sequence variants in COL7A1. We demonstrate the utility of this novel strategy in mutation detection and prenatal exclusion of RDEB in a consanguineous family at risk for recurrence. Hum Mutat 10:408–414, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Roman Drama and Roman History

The history of a hypothesis Tales unworthy of the Gods Ovid on Servius Tullius Two plays for the Liberalia The tragedy of Gaius Gracchus Crossing the Rubicon The poet, the "plebs", and the chorus girls Valerius Antias and the Palimpsest of history The Minucii and their monument Rome and the resplendent Aemilii E.S. Beesly and the Roman revolution Late Syme - a study in historiography Appendices: Hermann Reich, "on the sources of early Roman history and Roman national tragedy" The ludi saeculares
Steroid formation in vitro in rabbit ovary.

Abstract Biosynthesis from acetate-1- 14 C of 10 steroids has been assessed in vitro by corpora lutea and interstitium of the ovaries from rabbits obtained 6 days after mating. The following steroids were synthesized: 3 β- hydroxy -Δ 5 - pregnen-20-one , progesterone, 20α and 20 β -hydroxy- Δ 4 -pregnen-3-ones, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, Δ 4 -androstene-3, 17-dione and testosterone; no radioactive estrone or estradiol-17β was found. The most highly radioactive steroids in both tissues were progesterone, pregnenolone and 20 α -hydroxy- Δ 4 -pregnen-3-one. On a per g. basis, corpus luteal tissue incorporated approximately 20 times more radioactivity into 8 steroids than interstitium.
Observations on interphase boundary structure

SUMMARY A review is presented of experimental observations reported on the structure of interphase boundaries since 1968. Nearly all observed boundaries are of the partially or fully coherent type, and hence the principal structural features examined were misfit dislocations and ledges. Observations were drawn from studies of precipitation, spinodal decomposition, oriented overgrowths and eutectics. Interphase boundary structures were found to be little affected in the main by the type of reaction through which they were developed and were consistent with Van der Merwe theory and a theory of precipitate morphology. Observations of these structures have been considerably facilitated by the efforts of Weatherly and co-workers to define the visibility and the optimum TEM viewing conditions of misfit dislocations and ledges. Important new observations on misfit dislocations made since 1968 include: misfit dislocation spacing in the Cr(Mo)/NiAl eutectic in good agreement with theoretical expectation because misfit dislocations are also glide dislocations and the interface plane is also the glide plane; misfit dislocations on θ′ Al-Cu and η Al-Au plates with a Burgers vector (a/2 ) stable only at an interphase boundary; reduction of the interfacial energy of partially coherent boundaries on the same precipitates by dislocation interactions and rearrangements; reduction of interfacial energy of interfaces developed during spinodal decomposition through rotation of the interface itself from {100} to {110}; and misfit dislocation boundaries between f.c.c. (Cu-rich) and b.c.c. (Cr) crystals made possible with the assistance of ‘structural ledges’. Growth ledges have now been observed in a number of alloy systems which have undergone precipitation from solid solution or eutectic solidification; they appear to be confirmed as a customary feature of migrating partially or fully coherent interphase boundaries. Much new experimental information has been obtained on the sources (exceedingly diverse), heights (usually appreciably higher than monatomic), spacings (irregular) and migration kinetics (diffusion-controlled if their edges are disordered) of ledges. New observations continue to confirm the complexity of the processes through which misfit dislocations are acquired. The Ashby-Johnson and the Brown-Woolhouse theories of misfit dislocation nucleation or acquisition by spherical precipitates are in encouraging agreement with experiment.
Foundations for Mathematical Structuralism

We investigate the form of mathematical structuralism that acknowledges the existence of structures and their distinctive structural elements. This form of structuralism has been subject to criticisms recently, and our view is that the problems raised are resolved by proper, mathematics-free theoretical foundations. Starting with an axiomatic theory of abstract objects, we identify a mathematical structure as an abstract object encoding the truths of a mathematical theory. From such foundations, we derive consequences that address the main questions and issues that have arisen. Namely, elements of different structures are different. A structure and its elements ontologically depend on each other. There are no haecceities and each element of a structure must be discernible within the theory. These consequences are not developed piecemeal but rather follow from our definitions of basic structuralist concepts.
Creationism in the United States: I. Banning Evolution from the Classroom

A LTHOUGH evolution is the unifying theme for understanding life and "one of the best documented, most compelling and exciting concepts in all of science" (Gould 1983), it is being challenged-not by new discoveries, but by the evangelical zealotry of religious fundamentalists. Despite consistently clear court-decisions, extensive discreditation of creationism, and overwhelming evidence supporting evolution (see Prelli 1989; Hays 1983; Scott 1997; and references therein), creationism has become an increasingly popular belief (e.g., Sinclair and Pendarvis 1998; Monsour 1997). For example, a recent poll conducted by the National Science Board (1996) reported that most adult Americans reject the idea that humans developed from earlier species of animals. Similarly, a 1991 Gallup poll found that 47% of Americans believe that "God created man pretty much in his present form at one time within the last 10,000 years." Only 9% believe that "Man has developed over millions of years from less advanced forms of life. God had no part in this process" (Gallup & Newport 1991). By comparison, a majority of scientists take the naturalist view shared by only 9% of Americans. It is hard to imagine any other issue for which there is such a difference between laypeople and experts (see discussion in Shermer 1997). Given the public's acceptance of creationism, it is not surprising that creationists' beliefs (and the antievolution claims that accompany them) are becoming increasingly common in classrooms. For example,
Three New Harpacticoid Copepods From the North Inlet Estuary, Georgetown, South Carolina, U.S.a. 1)

Es werden drei neue Arten von harpacticoiden Copepoden von einer Kustensalzwiese in Sud-Karolina (U.S.A.) beschrieben: Halectinosoma winonae, Enhydrosoma baruchi und Heteropsyllus nunni. Die neuen Arten werden mit anderen Arten der Gattung verglichen. Fur die Enhydrosoma und Heteropsyllus Arten werden Bestimmungsschlussel vorgelegt.
Radioimmunoassay of fowl angiotensin I.

Abstract Angiotensin I (ANG I) from various nonmammalian vertebrates does not bind the antibody to human ANG I, and thus radioimmunoassay (RIA) is not applicable for measurement of renin activity. It is largely due to this difficulty that biochemistry and physiology of the renin-angiotensin system of nonmammalian vertebrates have not been studied. The present work was therefore undertaken to develop a system to determine plasma renin activity by measuring the ANG I generation rate with RIA in fowl plasma. Antibody to [Asp 1 ,Val 5 ,Ser 9 ]-angiotensin I (fowl ANG I) was produced by immunizing goats and rabbits with a conjugate of human immunoglobulin and fowl ANG I. An antiserum, with a maximum binding of 86.3%, was obtained from the goat after six intradermal injections of the conjugate (each contained 0.25 mg fowl ANG I). This antiserum (at a final dilution of 1:200,000), and 125 I-labeled fowl ANG I, purified by DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-25 column chromatography, were used for the RIA of natural fowl ANG I. Fowl ANG I generated by incubating plasma and kidney extract, was measured by both RIA and rat vasopressor assay. The values obtained from these two methods correlated well. The formation of angiotensin increased when the duration of incubation was prolonged, and was optimum at pH 5.0–5.5. Plasma renin activity (rate of fowl ANG I generation) in 50 μl plasma from anesthetized female white leghorn chickens (24 weeks, n = 6) was 15.04 ± 2.26 ng/ml·hr, and that in plasma from chronically cannulated conscious chickens (30 weeks, n = 5) was 4.58 ± 0.61 ng/ml·hr. The plasma angiotensinogen level was 500–600 ng/ml in both groups. Thus this sensitive RIA method may provide a useful tool to study the functions and regulation of the renin-angiotensin system in fowl.
Compensation for form error of end-milled sculptured surfaces using discrete measurement data

Abstract In this research, improvement of the form accuracy of parts having end-milled sculptured surfaces is studied. The proposed scheme uses the discrete measurement data from coordinate measuring machines and consists of three steps: optimal match, decomposition, and compensation. The optimal macth is used to best fit the measurement data with the design form so as to determine sampled form errors. The decomposition is developed to characterize the sampled form errors into the deterministic and the random components, which are associated with the waviness and the roughness of the form errors, respectively. Then, in the compensation step, compensation for the waviness is applied to improve the form accuracy of an end-milled sculptured surface. An experiment is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase in rheumatoid arthritis and certain rheumatoid musculoskeletal disorders.

Serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase levels were determined and compared in rheumatoid and nonrheumatoid subjects. The results indicate that tests for this enzyme would be of little value in establishing the presence or absence of rheumatoid disease. Le nivellos de transaminase glutamic-oxalacetic in le sems de subjectos rheumatoide e non-rheumatoide esseva determinate e comparate. Le resultatos indica que tests pro iste enzyma esseren de pauc valor establir le presentin o le absentia de morbo rheumatoide.
A model of protein targeting mediated by immunophilins and other proteins that bind to hsp90 via tetratricopeptide repeat domains.

We have shown recently that the immunophilins CyP-40 and FKBP52/hsp56 bind to a common site on hsp90 and that they exist in separate heterocomplexes with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). FKBP52/hsp56 binds to hsp90 via its tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domains, it is not required for GR·hsp90 heterocomplex assembly, and it is thought to play a role in targeted movement of the GR. In this work we examine the hsp90 binding of four proteins (FKBP52/hsp56, CyP-40, p50, Mas70p) thought to be involved in targeted protein trafficking. FKBP52/hsp56 and CyP-40 (each with three TPRs), localize to the nucleus and nucleoli, respectively, and form relatively weak complexes with hsp90 that are competed by a CyP-40 fragment containing its three TPRs. The p50 component of the Src·hsp90 and Raf·hsp90 heterocomplexes localizes to cytoskeletal fibers extending from the perinuclear region to the plasma membrane and forming a rim under the plasma membrane of endothelial cells. p50, Mas70p (seven TPRs), which is a receptor for mitochondrial import, and the p60 (six to eight TPRs) component of the steroid receptor·hsp90 heterocomplex assembly system bind very tightly to hsp90 in a manner that is not competed by the CyP-40 fragment. However, bacterially expressed p60 blocks the binding of p50, Mas70p, FKBP52/hsp56, and CyP-40 to purified hsp90. The data are consistent with binding of all of these proteins to a site on hsp90 that is a general TPR domain acceptor. Our localization and binding data are used to develop a model in which proteins that are chaperoned by hsp90 move as dynamic complexes to their cellular sites of action, with the TPR-containing protein participating in targeting the movement of the complexes.
Repeat-mediated genetic and epigenetic changes at the FMR1 locus in the Fragile X-related disorders.

Abstract The Fragile X-related disorders are a group of genetic conditions that include the neurodegenerative disorder, Fragile X-associated tremor and ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), the fertility disorder, Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI) and the intellectual disability, Fragile X syndrome (FXS). The pathology in all these diseases is related to the number of CGG/CCG-repeats in the 5’ UTR of the FMR1 gene. The repeats are prone to continuous expansion and the increase in repeat number has paradoxical effects on gene expression increasing transcription on mid-sized alleles and decreasing it on longer ones. In some cases the repeats can simultaneously both increase FMR1 mRNA production and decrease the levels of the FMR1 gene product, FMRP. Since FXTAS and FXPOI result from the deleterious consequences of the expression of elevated levels of FMR1 mRNA and FXS is caused by reduced FMRP levels, the clinical picture is turning out to be more complex than once appreciated. Added complications are generated by the fact that increasing repeat numbers make the alleles somatically unstable, generating resulting in individuals sometimes having a complex mixture of different sized alleles. Furthermore, it has become apparent that the eponymous fragile site, once thought to be no more than a useful diagnostic criterion, may have clinical consequences for females who inherit chromosomes that express this site. This review will cover what is currently known about the mechanisms responsible for repeat instability, for the repeat-mediated epigenetic changes that affect expression of the FMR1 gene, and for chromosome fragility. It will also touch on what current and future options are for ameliorating some of these effects.
CD40 is functionally expressed on human breast carcinomas: Variable inducibility by cytokines and enhancement of Fas-mediated apoptosis

The CD40 molecule, a member of the TNF receptor gene family, has been intensively studied with respect to regulation of B cell proliferation and survival. Although CD40 is also expressed on carcinoma cell lines, information concerning the biological function of CD40 on cells of epithelial origin is limited. In this study we detected constitutive CD40 on human breast carcinoma cell lines and an increase in CD40 expression following treatment with cytokines IL-1alpha and IFN-gamma. CD40 ligation was also found to increase MHC II expression in cells pretreated with IFN-gamma. In contrast to normal B cells, where CD40 signaling provides a potent survival signal, we observed that CD40 ligation in breast carcinoma cells results in growth inhibition and enhanced susceptibility to Fas-mediated apoptosis. Enhanced apoptosis appears to be attributable, at least in part, to an up-regulation of Fas expression caused by CD40 ligation. These results suggest a potentially important role for CD40 in breast tumor biology.
An Updated Validation of Promega’s PowerPlex® 16 System: High Throughput Databasing Under Reduced PCR Volume Conditions on Applied Biosystem’s 96 Capillary 3730xl DNA Analyzer*

: The PowerPlex® 16 System from Promega Corporation allows single tube multiplex amplification of sixteen short tandem repeat (STR) loci including all 13 core combined DNA index system STRs. This report presents an updated validation of the PowerPlex® 16 System on Applied Biosystem’s 96 capillary 3730xl DNA Analyzer. The validation protocol developed in our laboratory allows for the analysis of 1536 loci (96 × 16) in c. 50 min. We have further optimized the assay by decreasing the reaction volume to one-quarter that recommended by the manufacturer thereby substantially reducing the total cost per sample without compromising reproducibility or specificity. This reduction in reaction volume has the ancillary benefit of dramatically increasing the sensitivity of the assay allowing for accurate analysis of lower quantities of DNA. Due to its substantially increased throughput capability, this extended validation of the PowerPlex® 16 System should be useful in reducing the backlog of unanalyzed DNA samples currently facing public DNA forensic laboratories.
A histidine residue at the active site of avian liver phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase.

The histidine-selective reagents diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) and dimethylpyrocarbonate were used to study active site residues of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Both reagents show pseudo first-order inhibition of enzyme activity at 22 +/- 1 degree C with calculated second-order rate constants of 2.8 and 4.6 M-1 s-1, respectively. The inhibition appears partially reversible. Substrates affect the rate of inhibition: KHCO3 enhances the rate, Mn2+ has little effect, and phosphoenolpyruvate decreases the rate. The best protection is obtained by IDP or IDP and Mn2+. The kinetic studies show that modification of histidine is specific and leads to loss of enzymatic activity. Two histidines per enzyme are modified by DEPC, as measured by an absorption change at 240 nm, in the absence of substrate, leading to loss in activity. One histidine per molecule is modified in the presence of KHCO3, giving inactivation. Cysteine and lysine residues are not affected. A study of the inhibition rate constant as a function of pH gives a pKa of 6.7. Enzyme modified by DEPC in the absence of substrate (1% remaining activity) shows no binding of ITP or of phosphoenolpyruvate to the enzyme.Mn2+ complex as studied by proton relaxation rates. When enzyme is modified in the presence of KHCO3 (44% remaining activity), ITP and KHCO3 bind to the enzyme.Mn2+ complex similarly to the binding to native enzyme. Phosphoenolpyruvate binding to modified enzyme.Mn results in an enhancement of proton relaxation rates rather than the decrease observed with native enzyme.Mn. The CD spectra of histidine-modified enzyme show a decrease in alpha-helical and random structure with an increase in anti-parallel beta-sheet structure compared to native enzyme. These results show that avian phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase has 2 histidine residues which are reactive with DEPC and dimethylpyrocarbonate, and one of the 15 histidine residues in the protein is at or near the phosphoenolpyruvate binding site and is involved in catalysis.
Oxygen tomography by Čerenkov-excited phosphorescence during external beam irradiation.

The efficacy of radiation therapy depends strongly on tumor oxygenation during irradiation. However, current techniques to measure this parameter in vivo do not facilitate routine monitoring in patients. Herein, we demonstrate a noninvasive method for tomographic imaging of oxygen partial pressure (pO 2 ) in deep tissue using the phosphorescence decay of an oxygen-sensitive probe excited by Cerenkov radiation induced by external beam radiotherapy. Tissue-simulating scattering phantoms (60 mm diameter with a 20 mm anomaly) containing platinum(II)-G4 (PtG4), a dendritic porphyrin-based phosphor, whose phosphorescence is quenched in the presence of oxygen, were irradiated with a clinical linear accelerator. The emitted phosphorescence was measured at various positions on the phantom boundary using a spectrograph coupled to an intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD). At each position, PtG4 phosphorescence decay curves were measured by synchronizing the ICCD to the linear accelerator pulses. Tomographic images of phosphorescence yield and lifetime were recovered for phantoms with homogenous PtG4 concentrations and heterogeneous pO 2 . Since PtG4 lifetime is strongly and predictably dependent on pO 2 through the Stern-Volmer relationship, tomographic images of pO 2 were also reported, and showed excellent agreement with independent oxygenation measurements. Translating this approach to the clinic could facilitate direct sensing of pO 2 during radiotherapy.
Corticotropin releasing factor produces increases in brain excitability and convulsive seizures in rats

Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) is a 41-residue peptide, capable of stimulating the secretion of corticotropin (ACTH)-like and β-endorphin-like immunoreactivity from the adenohypophysis. Low doses of CRF (0.0015–0.15 nM) given intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) produced changes in electrographic activity suggestive of increased arousal. Higher doses of CRF (1.5–3.75 nM) induced, over a period of 3–7 h, electrographic and behavioral signs of seizure activity indistinguishable from those which occur following electrical ‘kindling’ of the amygdala.
Quantitative microvascular hemoglobin mapping using visible light spectroscopic Optical Coherence Tomography

Quantification of chromophore concentrations in reflectance mode remains a major challenge for biomedical optics. Spectroscopic Optical Coherence Tomography (SOCT) provides depth-resolved spectroscopic information necessary for quantitative analysis of chromophores, like hemoglobin, but conventional SOCT analysis methods are applicable only to well-defined specular reflections, which may be absent in highly scattering biological tissue. Here, by fitting of the dynamic scattering signal spectrum in the OCT angiogram using a forward model of light propagation, we quantitatively determine hemoglobin concentrations directly. Importantly, this methodology enables mapping of both oxygen saturation and total hemoglobin concentration, or alternatively, oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentration, simultaneously. Quantification was verified by ex vivo blood measurements at various pO2 and hematocrit levels. Imaging results from the rodent brain and retina are presented. Confounds including noise and scattering, as well as potential clinical applications, are discussed.
Is Doubling Up on Positive Future Cognitions Associated with Lower Suicidal Risk in Latinos?: A Look at Hope and Positive Problem Orientation

In the present study, we examined hope and positive problem orientation as additive predictors of suicidal risk, namely, hopelessness and suicide behavior, in a sample of 155 (37 males and 118 females) Latinos. Consistent with expectations, we found hope and positive problem orientation to be associated with lower suicidal risk. In addition, results of conducting hierarchical regression analyses indicated that hope accounted for significant variance in both indices of suicidal risk. Moreover, the inclusion of positive problem orientation as a predictor was found to account for additional unique variance in both indices of suicidal risk, beyond what was accounted for by hope. Finally, results of conducting additional analyses indicated a significant Hope × Positive Problem Orientation interaction effect in accounting for suicidal risk. Some implications of the present findings are discussed.
Cr(III) Oxidation and Cr Toxicity in Cultures of the Manganese(II)-Oxidizing Pseudomonas putida Strain GB-1

Abstract Mn oxides have long been considered the primary environmental oxidant of Cr(III), however, since most of the reactive Mn oxides in the environment are believed to be of biological origin, microorganisms may indirectly mediate Cr(III) oxidation and accelerate the rate over that seen in purely abiotic systems. In this study, we examined the ability of the Mn(II)-oxidizing bacterium, Pseudomonas putida strain GB-1, to oxidize Cr(III). Our results show that GB-1 cannot oxidize Cr(III) directly, but that in the presence of Mn(II), Cr(III) can be rapidly and completely oxidized. Growth studies suggest that in growth medium with few organics the resulting Cr(VI) may be less toxic to P. putida GB-1 than Cr(III), which is generally considered less hazardous. In addition, Cr(III) present during the growth of P. putida GB-1 appeared to cause iron stress as determined by the production of the fluorescent siderophore pyoverdine. When stressed by Fe limitation or Cr(III) toxicity, Mn(II) oxidation by GB-1 is i...
Closing the Gap, Raising the Bar

This article examines online campaigning for the U.S. Congress in 2006. Increases in web presence have slowed, but with minor-party candidates closing the gap with major-party candidates in Senate races. A content analysis of the campaign web sites of every Senate and House candidate reveals that baseline informational web content and features have become standardized but that Senate sites are more sophisticated technologically. Multivariate analyses reveal that financial resources underwrite the highest levels of content and constitute a moving hurdle for disadvantaged candidates. Democrats, Greens, and challengers demonstrated more interest in relationship building, and the competitiveness of the race increased the likelihood of using the web site for mobilizing supporters. Features and functionality that allow citizens to coproduce content and interact in two-way communication are not being adopted widely, and it is an open question how candidates might integrate new social networking tools into their campaign strategies.
The Impact of Obesity on Medication Use and Expenditures among Nonelderly Adults with Asthma

Obesity contributes substantially to health resource use and costs. This study examines the impact of obesity on medication use and expenditures among nonelderly adults with asthma using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Obese classes II/III individuals were more likely to have current asthma, seek treatment for asthma, use more medications, and have higher medication and health care expenditures compared with normal weight individuals. Multivariate results indicate that if obese classes II/III were normal weight the probability of asthma treatment would decrease by 8.0 percentage points. Conditional on any asthma treatment, if obese classes II/III were normal weight the mean number of total prescribed medications would decrease by 19.42 fills, and expected expenditures on total prescribed medications and health care would decrease by $1,738.68 and $3,682.58, respectively. These results suggest that, all else equal, reduction in body weight may help reduce health resource use and expenditures for nonelderly adults with asthma.
Ligand binding to human placental cytochrome P-450: interaction of steroids and heme-binding ligands.

Abstract Type II ligands such as n -octylamine, 1-(2-isopropylphenyl)-imidazole, cyanophenylimidazole, aniline, ethylisocyanide, metyrapone, nicotinamide and aminoglutethimide bind to microsomal cytochrome P-450 from human placenta to give rise to optical difference spectra which are similar in form to those observed with rat hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 but which are more intense relative to the CO-spectrum. Addition of the type I ligands androstenedione or 19-norandrostenedione cause changes in both magnitude and λ max of the difference spectra produced by type II ligands. These changes appear to be due to the displacement of the type II ligand and are not shown with rat liver cytochrome P-450. Differences between the two steroids are related to their binding constants. Recent studies with π-acceptor ligands such as tin and germanium dihalides are extended to placental cytochrome P-450 with which CO-like spectra may be formed. Type II ligands, which bind to the heme iron, are inhibitors of placental aromatase activity while inhibitors that require metabolic activation, such as the methylenedioxyphenyl compounds, are not.
Phosphatase-dependent and -independent functions of Shp2 in neural crest cells underlie LEOPARD syndrome pathogenesis.

Summary The tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 ( PTPN11 ) regulates cellular proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation during development. Germline mutations in PTPN11 cause Noonan and LEOPARD syndromes, which have overlapping clinical features. Paradoxically, Noonan syndrome mutations increase SHP2 phosphatase activity, while LEOPARD syndrome mutants are catalytically impaired, raising the possibility that SHP2 has phosphatase-independent roles. By comparing shp2 -deficient zebrafish embryos with those injected with mRNA encoding LEOPARD syndrome point mutations, we identify a phosphatase- and Erk-dependent role for Shp2 in neural crest specification and migration. We also identify an unexpected phosphatase- and Erk-independent function, mediated through its SH2 domains, which is evolutionarily conserved and prevents p53-mediated apoptosis in the brain and neural crest. Our results indicate that previously enigmatic aspects of LEOPARD syndrome pathogenesis can be explained by the combined effects of loss of Shp2 catalytic function and retention of an SH2 domain-mediated role that is essential for neural crest cell survival.