cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Elementary Mathematical Model for the Interpretation of Precipitation Probability Forecasts

Abstract A mathematical model is constructed for interpreting precipitation probability forecasts which have areal connotations. The paper is chiefly concerned with a simple discrete form of the model, in which a forecast area is represented by N rain gages scattered throughout it, and a precipitation event is identified with the observing of more than a trace of precipitation in a particular subset of the N gages. The basic parameters in the model are: (a) conditional probabilities of the events consisting of the selection of particular subsets of the N gages by precipitation, given that a certain proportion r of the gages are selected; and (b) a probability distribution for r. The probabilities in (a) are assumed to be peculiar to the particular forecast area and can easily be estimated from historical data. The probabilities in (b) (or at least the mean value of the distribution) are intended to be the objects of estimation in each forecast. It is apparently customary for forecasters to arrive at a for...
Erythropoietin: Powerful Protection of Ischemic and Post-Ischemic Brain

Ischemic brain injury inflicted by stroke and cardiac arrest ranks among the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States. The brain consumes large amounts of metabolic substrates and oxygen to sustain its energy requirements. Consequently, the brain is exquisitely sensitive to interruptions in its blood supply, and suffers irreversible damage after 10–15 minutes of severe ischemia. Effective treatments to protect the brain from stroke and cardiac arrest have proven elusive, due to the complexities of the injury cascades ignited by ischemia and reperfusion. Although recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and therapeutic hypothermia have proven efficacious for stroke and cardiac arrest, respectively, these treatments are constrained by narrow therapeutic windows, potentially detrimental side effects and the limited availability of hypothermia equipment. Mounting evidence demonstrates the cytokine hormone erythropoietin (EPO) to be a powerful neuroprotective agent and a potential adjuvant to established therapies. Classically, EPO originating primarily in the kidneys promotes erythrocyte production by suppressing apoptosis of proerythroid progenitors in bone marrow. However, the brain is capable of producing EPO, and EPO’s membrane receptors and signaling components also are expressed in neurons and astrocytes. EPO activates signaling cascades that increase the brain’s resistance to ischemia-reperfusion stress by stabilizing mitochondrial membranes, limiting formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates, and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and neutrophil infiltration. Collectively, these mechanisms preserve functional brain tissue and, thus, improve neurocognitive recovery from brain ischemia. This article reviews the mechanisms mediating EPO-induced brain protection, critiques the clinical utility of exogenous EPO to preserve brain threatened by ischemic stroke and cardiac arrest, and discusses the prospects for induction of EPO production within the brain by the intermediary metabolite, pyruvate.
Ultrastructural localization of calcitonin in control and stimulated thyroid C cells of the rat using protein A — gold immunocytochemical technique

Using anti-human calcitonin serum and a protein !-gold technique, calcitonin was localized at the ultrastructural level in control and calcium gluconate-stimulated thyroid C cells of the rat. In control rats calcitonin was dedected within a majority of the secretory granules while in experimental animals it was demonstrated also within prosecretory granules present in Golgi apparatus.
Verbal mediation in the successive and simultaneous discrimination learning of children

Abstract In an effort to clarify previous findings that the effect of response-locus placement was differential for successive and simultaneous discrimination problems, 360 fourth grade students were tested on a three-stimulus three-response problem which involved a verbal mediation procedure designed to orient the subjects to either a configurational or component solution. A hypothesis that attention to relevant cues would tend to erase differences in problem difficulty was not supported. Instead, in studying the performance of those who learned, it was found that the imposed mediating conditions tended to facilitate the mastery of the simultaneous problem and to impede the learning of the successive one.
Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors in a Rural Elderly Population: The MoVIES Project.

In a random population sample of 1,040 elderly persons participating in a community survey, subjects were screened for depressive symptoms using a modified Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale. About 10% reported five or more possible symptoms of depression present during 3 or more days of the previous week. Approximately 1% of the sample had a sufficient number of symptoms for a diagnosis of major depression, although severity, disability, and 2-week duration were not assessed. More depressive symptoms were found to be independently associated with the following: age, widowhood, and less education; general health and appetite self-rated as fair-to-poor; and a greater number of sleep problems, social support problems, and stressful life events in the previous year. Further, subjects with more depressive symptoms were significantly more likely to have been recently hospitalized and to have used home health and social services. These findings have implications for the public health importance of depressive symptomatology, even when subsyndromal, in older groups.
The DNA methylation signature of human TCRαβ+CD4-CD8- double negative T cells reveals CG demethylation and a unique epigenetic architecture permissive to a broad stimulatory immune response

T cell receptor (TCR) αβ+CD4−CD8− double negative T cells represent a rare T cell subset implicated in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. We investigated the DNA methylation signature of double negative T cells to gain insight into the epigenetic architecture of peripheral blood primary human double negative T cells compared to autologous CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. We identified 2984 CG sites across the genome with unique loss of DNA methylation in double negative T cells, and showed significant reduction in mRNA expression of DNA methyltransferases DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B. DNA methylation was increased in CD8A/CD8B and CD4 consistent with epigenetic repression of both the CD8 and CD4 genetic loci in double negative T cells. We show a consistent increase in non-CG methylation in double negative T cells, a finding suggestive of pluripotency. Network analyses indicate a strong relationship between double negative T cells and functions related to cell –cell interaction, cell adhesion, and cell activation pathways. Our data also suggest a robust pro-inflammatory epigenetic signature in double negative T cells, consistent with a transcriptional permissiveness in key inflammatory cytokines including IFNγ, IL-17F, IL-12B, IL-5, IL-18, TNFSF11 (RANKL), and TNFSF13B (BLYS or BAFF). These findings highlight an epigenetic basis for a role of double negative T cells in autoimmunity.
A Novel DNA-Binding Protein Plays an Important Role in Helicobacter pylori Stress Tolerance and Survival in the Host

The gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori must combat chronic acid and oxidative stress. It does so via many mechanisms, including macromolecule repair and gene regulation. Mitomycin C-sensitive clones from a transposon mutagenesis library were screened. One sensitive strain contained the insertion element at the locus of hp119, a hypothetical gene. No homologous gene exists in any (non-H. pylori) organism. Nevertheless, the predicted protein has some features characteristic of histone-like proteins, and we showed that purified HP119 protein is a DNA-binding protein. A Δhp119 strain was markedly more sensitive (viability loss) to acid or to air exposure, and these phenotypes were restored to wild-type (WT) attributes upon complementation of the mutant with the wild-type version of hp119 at a separate chromosomal locus. The mutant strain was approximately10-fold more sensitive to macrophage-mediated killing than the parent or the complemented strain. Of 12 mice inoculated with the wild type, all contained H. pylori, whereas 5 of 12 mice contained the mutant strain; the mean colonization numbers were 158-fold less for the mutant strain. A proteomic (two-dimensional PAGE with mass spectrometric analysis) comparison between the Δhp119 mutant and the WT strain under oxidative stress conditions revealed a number of important antioxidant protein differences; SodB, Tpx, TrxR, and NapA, as well as the peptidoglycan deacetylase PgdA, were significantly less expressed in the Δhp119 mutant than in the WT strain. This study identified HP119 as a putative histone-like DNA-binding protein and showed that it plays an important role in Helicobacter pylori stress tolerance and survival in the host.
Coupling across a DNA helical turn yields a hybrid DNA/organic catenane doubly tailed with functional termini.

We describe the synthesis of a hybrid DNA/organic macrocycle that is prepared by formation of an amide linkage across one full turn of DNA. Formation of a catenane proved that the linkage crossed a turn rather than running along the phosphodiester backbone contour. The product, a doubly tailed catenane, contains 5′- and 3′-termini that can be functionalized further or used to incorporate the catenane structure into other DNA assemblies.
A computerized data management system for a regional clinical virology laboratory.

Abstract A computerized virology data management system has been developed. MUMPS language with a conversational mode program was used to allow technical and clerical staff to operate the system with minimal training time investment. It can be readily applied to any microbiology system.
The effects of drug abuse on pregnancy.

Purpose of reviewThe present article is an update on the effects of drug abuse on pregnancy outcome.Recent findingsSubstance abuse in pregnancy is on the increase worldwide. Simultaneously, there is great variability in prevalence rates in different countries, regions of countries and in different e
Pressures and temperatures in Precambrian metamorphic rocks

Abstract ModelP-T estimates from nearly 100 Precambrian rocks have been derived by comparing published descriptions of metamorphic mineral assemblages to a standard set of mineral stability data. Pressures, temperatures and metamorphic geotherms show large variations. Nevertheless, modelP-T data reveal two distinct secular trends. Average metamorphic geotherms have declined through time, and average metamorphic pressures have increased through time. Metamorphic geotherms and pressures from Archean rocks average 54°C/km and 4.1 kbar, respectively. Corresponding figures for early Proterozoic terranes are 47°C/km and 4.3 kbar, and for late Proterozoic terranes 35°C/km and 6 kbar. These secular trends may reflect gradual cooling and thickening of the earth's crust, at least in orogenic belts. There are exceptions to both trends, found in localities where mineral assemblages indicate high pressures (6–12 kbar) and low metamorphic geotherms (20–30°C/km). These assemblages formed in Archean crust that, at least locally, was thicker than 20 km during metamorphism.
Structurally Variable Regions of the Ligand-Binding Domain of Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors Link Dynamics and Functional Properties

It has been hypothesized that the behavior of the channel gate is controlled by structural and dynamical events within the bi-lobate ligand binding domain (LBD) of ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). With the ulterior goal of developing reliable coarse-grained models that would allow probing this hypothesis with μs to ms time-scale simulations, we have characterized the ns time-scale conformational dynamics of the LBD of GluR-2, GluR-6 and NR2A, respectively representing the AMPA, kainate and NMDA receptor class. Each LBD was modeled both using the AMBER SB99 and the GROMOS G43A1 force field. The structural and dynamical properties of the 3 LBDs were obtained from extensive molecular dynamics simulations (at least 3 independents 20 ns run per system and force field). To compare these properties across the three classes of LBD a common structural core was defined based on structural similarity. The results of these computational experiments show that (1) all 3 LBDs possess 2 common rigid body domain motions that modify the degree of twist and hinge bending of the lobes; (2) these motions do not appear to be class specific at this time-scale; instead (3) structural elements outside of the common structural core modulate the conformational space of the core and are responsible for defining class specific dynamics of the LBDs. These structural elements have been implicated previously in the modulation of ligand efficacy and extent of receptor desensitization. Thus, together these observations suggest that these identified structural elements impart class specific dynamics behavior to the LBD of iGluRs and may be responsible for the distinct functional properties of these receptors.
Modeling of Vias Sharing the Same Antipad in Planar Waveguide With Boundary Integral Equation and Group T-Matrix Method

We consider multiple scattering among different groups of vias with each group of vias sharing one antipad in planar waveguide. A transformation is used that converts the 2-D discretization and 2-D surface integration of the product of Green's functions and magnetic surface currents into 1-D discretization and 1-D integration of surface charges on the vias and on the ground plane. This is used to calculate the incident fields onto the vias. Based on the incident fields, the Foldy-Lax equations can be solved to calculate the circuit parameters for the problem. We show that the results are superior to the previously used finite difference method. In addition, the group T-matrix method is used to represent a group of vias to account for the scattering among different groups of vias. Results are illustrated for various cases of multiple vias up to 20 GHz. Results show the accuracy of the method even to very closely spaced vias when they are separated by merely 1 mil. Numerical results are in excellent agreement with ANSOFT HFSS.
Simulation of the beam halo from the beam-beam interaction

A technique for simulating the beam halo in circular ${\mathit{e}}^{+}$${\mathit{e}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ colliders is introduced, tested, and applied. Amplitude space is divided into core and halo regions, and only halo particles are tracked saving a factor of 100 or more in CPU time. The methods for determining the regions, selecting and tracking particles, and connecting the core and halo are described. Results agree with conventional simulations. The beam halo is strongly influenced by nonlinear beam-beam resonances indicating that resonance streaming and phase convection are the dominant mechanisms for particles reaching large amplitudes.
Impact of dialyzer membrane selection on cellular responses in acute renal failure: a crossover study.

Impact of dialyzer membrane selection on cellular responses in acute renal failure: A crossover study. Background When acute renal failure (ARF) is severe enough to require dialysis, in-hospital mortality rates approach 60%. These alarming figures have been ascribed in part to advanced age and the high prevalence of comorbid conditions. In the past several years, a number of attempts have been made to investigate the impact of dialyzer membrane type on clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, to date, clinical studies addressing this question have reported conflicting results. Methods This crossover study examined the effect of dialyzer membrane type on cytokine synthesis by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), superoxide release by neutrophils, and apoptosis or programmed cell death of neutrophils in 24 patients with ARF requiring intermittent hemodialysis. The patients were assigned in an alternate order to a low-flux cellulose acetate (CA) or polysulfone (PS) dialyzer. After three consecutive dialysis sessions, patients were crossed over to the second dialyzer for three additional treatments. These cellular responses were measured upon dialyzer assignment and at the third and sixth dialysis session in relationship to the dialyzer type. Results The results of the study showed no impact of dialyzer biocompatibility on synthesis of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or interleukin 10 (IL-10) by PBMCs, superoxide release by neutrophils, or neutrophil apoptosis. This held true regardless of the initial dialyzer assignment. Furthermore, there was no correlation between dialysis adequacy (measured by single-pool Kt/V) and postdialysis cellular responses. Conclusions In summary, this study refines the question of biocompatibility by comparing a substituted cellulose rather than unsubstituted cellulose dialyzer to a PS dialyzer in the setting of ARF. The results failed to demonstrate a dialyzer advantage on the selected cellular responses.
Effects of cations and hyaluronidase on cerebral electrical impedance.

Abstract This study aimed firstly at determining whether calcium is capable of modifying brain tissue electrical impedance. The experimental results showed that: ( a ) calcium chloride solutions injected into the lateral ventricle of the brain were followed by decreased impedance of the periventricular structures; ( b ) the lack of comparable effects after intraventricular injection of normal and hypertonic solutions indicated that injection artifacts or osmotic effects were not responsible for the impedance decrease; ( c ) the characteristic impedance decreased after intraventricular injection of various calcium salts ruled out chloride as a possible cause of the impedance shifts; ( d ) different responses to calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, strontium, and barium salts showed that the impedance decrease was not a nonspecific ionic effect; ( e ) dependence of the impedance response on the amount of calcium injected and the topographically determined pattern of response indicated a local tissue effect of the injected calcium. From these results it is concluded that calcium is capable of modifying the impedance level of the brain tissue. A probable mechanism of calcium action is also suggested by the following: ( i ) the extracellular presence of the mucopolysaccharides (MPS); ( ii ) the physical and chemical properties of the MPS; it interacts readily with calcium and results in decreased volume of the MPS matrix; ( iii ) intraventricular injection of hyaluronidase decreased the impedance; ( iv ) after hyaluronidase injection, the effects of calcium was greatly diminished, indicating that the presence of MPS was necessary for the calcium induced shift. These results suggest that the interaction of calcium ions with extracellular MPS is associated with the decreased impedance. The above findings are significant in focusing our attention on the role of perineuronal elements in aspects of information transaction and storage in brain tissue. Alterations in the characteristics of the extracellular MPS by means of calcium, sodium, or potassium ions may give rise to conditions favorable to lasting molecular changes in the membrane. We may speculate that the integrated effect of these molecular changes in brain tissue may provide a basis for information storage.
The Residential Power Circuit as a Communication Medium

This paper is a summary of work done to characterize the residential power circuit as a communication medium. Here the term residential power circuit refers to that part of the power circuit on the secondary side of the distribution transformer. This circuit is often used for communication signals for controlling appliances, security devices, and for other purposes. The frequencies of most interest in these systems range from about 100 to 200 kHz. The interface to this circuit is usually a 120 V or 240 V receptacle used to deliver power. These communication systems are called residential power line carrier systems. Other types of power line carrier are distribution line carrier and transmission line carrier both of which are used by the power utilities for communications purposes.
Needle Variation in Loblolly Pine from Four Geographic Seed Sources

There are indications that some morphological adaptations by tree leaves are genetically controlled (Mergen 1958). This paper presents evidence that the needle anatomy of young loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) may vary among geographic sources of seed and suggests that resultant effects on the water economy of the seedlings might account for significant differences in height growth on a droughty site.
Beneficial hemodynamic effects of intravenous diazoxide in refractory congestive heart failure.

Abstract Despite the growing popularity of vasodilator therapy for acute and chronic congestive heart failure (CHF), no single agent has been uniformly effective and well tolerated. Therefore, we investigated the acute hemodynamic response to diazoxide, a potent and long-acting arteriolar dilator, in nine patients with severe CHF refractory to conventional treatment and, in seven of nine, other vasodilators. Diazoxide was administered intravenously in successive 300 mg infusions, each over 10 minutes, until a satisfactory response in cardiac output occurred or a fall in arterial blood pressure or increase in heart rate was noted. The mean dose of diazoxide was 670 mg (range 450 to 900 mg). Systemic vascular resistance fell immediately, by a maximum of 44%. Arterial pressure was not changed significantly, but cardiac and stroke volume indices rose by 64% and 49%, respectively, from 2.0 ± 0.5 to 3.3 ± 0.6 L/min/m 2 and from 24 ± 10 to 36 ± 9 ml/m 2 (each p
Plzf Regulates Germline Progenitor Self-Renewal by Opposing mTORC1

Hyperactivity of mTORC1, a key mediator of cell growth, leads to stem cell depletion, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly defined. Using spermatogonial progenitor cells (SPCs) as a model system, we show that mTORC1 impairs stem cell maintenance by a negative feedback from mTORC1 to receptors required to transduce niche-derived signals. We find that SPCs lacking Plzf, a transcription factor essential for SPC maintenance, have enhanced mTORC1 activity. Aberrant mTORC1 activation in Plzf(-/-) SPCs inhibits their response to GDNF, a growth factor critical for SPC self-renewal, via negative feedback at the level of the GDNF receptor. Plzf opposes mTORC1 activity by inducing expression of the mTORC1 inhibitor Redd1. Thus, we identify the mTORC1-Plzf functional interaction as a critical rheostat for maintenance of the spermatogonial pool and propose a model whereby negative feedback from mTORC1 to the GDNF receptor balances SPC growth with self-renewal.
Enzymatic preparation of [2,4,5,6,8-14C, 5′-3H]guanosine for use in biosynthetic studies of pterinoid and flavin compounds

To aid in investigations on the biosynthesis of pterinoid compounds, a procedure was developed for the preparation of double-labeled guanosine with 3H in the ribose moiety and 14C in the guanine ring. Ribose, as ribose-1-phosphate, was removed from [2,8,5′-3H]-adenosine in a reaction using purine nucleoside phosphorylase and was coupled to unlabeled guanine using the same enzyme. The procedure was accomplished in one tube with no purification of intermediates necessary. The final product, [5′-3H]guanosine, was purified by affinity chromatography using a boronate column. The overall yield of labeled guanosine is about 91%. HPLC analysis indicates the radiochemical purity at 98%. The purity of the guanosine makes it suitable for in vivo studies of flavins, pterins, and other guanosine-derived compounds. A doubly labeled preparation was achieved by the addition of [5′-3H]guanosine to 14C-labeled guanosine in which only the guanine ring is labeled. The latter was formed in a manner similar to the one above. In this case, the labeled ribose moiety was enzymatically removed from [U-14C]guanosine and replaced with unlabeled ribose.
Refeeding Syndrome and Hypophosphatemia

Hypophosphatemia is a potentially life-threatening complication of reinstating nutrition in a malnourished patient. Refeeding syndrome is a term that refers to various metabolic abnormalities that may complicate carbohydrate administration in subnourished patient populations. Hypophosphatemia is the most well-known, and perhaps most significant, element of the refeeding syndrome and may result in sudden death, rhabdomyolysis, red cell dysfunction, and respiratory insufficiency. This review briefly examines refeeding-induced hypophosphatemia in the hospitalized patient in hopes of making clinicians more aware of this common, but often overlooked, potentially dangerous problem.
Initial evaluation of a single-item screener to assess problematic dietary restriction.

Purpose Existing measures to assess restrictive eating conflate both problematic and healthy restrictive practices, and perceived restriction without reduced caloric intake. In this study, we devised and tested the utility of a single-item screener, the Dietary Restriction Screener (DRS), to assess problematic restriction.
Strategic management: New ventures and small business

Abstract This paper examines the factors influencing the formulation and implementation of strategy in new and small firms. Small businesses vary substantially in their resource positions, the goals of their founders and their potential. They also vary in stage of development: thus strategic management is examined separately in the start-up stage, the early-growth stage, and the later-growth stage. Intracorporate entrepreneurship in established firms is also considered. Despite this diversity, small firms create an environment for strategic management in which both the opportunities and constraints are different from those in large organizations.
Inversion for tides in the Eastern North Pacific Ocean

Abstract A regional model of tides in the Eastern North Pacific Ocean is developed through the use of inversion with two-dimensional finite element codes. Since global tide models are least accurate in coastal environments, modeling tides on a regional scale allows tidal propagation and interaction along the coast to be more accurately represented. In this respect, a regional model can act as a liaison between open ocean dynamics and physical processes more pertinent to coastal systems. The region of interest in this study extends from the Aleutian Islands to Southern California and includes deep ocean, continental shelf, and shallow water features. Boundary conditions are determined from nonlinear inversion of harmonic data from both shallow water and deep ocean tide gauges. Spatial patterns of amplitudes and phases from the model are examined for major constituents. Results are also compared to global tide models at selected stations.
Viscoelastic nature of calcium silicate hydrate

Abstract The origin of the time-dependent response of cement-based materials to applied stress has not been clearly resolved. The role of interlayer water in the mechanical behavior of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) is still debated. In order to better understand the pertinent mechanisms, the stress relaxation tests were conducted on thin rectangular beams of compacted synthetic C–S–H powder and hydrated Portland cement subjected to three-point bending. C–S–H specimens of variable composition (C/S = 0.8, 1.2 and 1.5) were prepared at various moisture content levels from saturation to the dry state. A special drying procedure was applied in order to remove the adsorbed and interlayer water incrementally from C–S–H conditioned at 11%RH. It was shown that a significant part of the relaxation at saturation is attributed to the hydrodynamic component associated with the pore water. It was demonstrated that the viscoelastic performance of C–S–H depends considerably on the presence of interlayer water. It was argued that the results support the validity of the theory of sliding of C–S–H sheets as a time-dependent deformation mechanism responsible for the creep and stress relaxation of cement-based materials. This concept was illustrated in a proposed model for the viscoelastic response of C–S–H.
Anterior Abdominal Wall Necrosis Following Bypass for Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease A Case Report

An uncommon complication of ipsilateral anterior abdominal wall ischemic necrosis ("trash abdominal wall"), following microembolic occlusion of a unilateral patent internal iliac artery and collaterals during aortobifemoral bypass for aortoiliac disease, is presented. Recognition of the presence or lack of a collateral system from lateral thoracic and intercostal arteries to branches of the superficial epigastric on preoperative angiogram and its role in the perfusion of the anterior abdominal wall is stressed. Preserving both or at least one internal iliac artery and avoiding microembolism from endarterectomy will minimize the risk for this complication.
The ApolloTech chariot: Photodynamic therapy light delivery device for treating sub-cutaneous cancers

Photodynamic Therapy or PDT is a treatment that uses light-sensitive drugs known as photosensitizing agents or PSAs in conjunction with a light source to eradicate harmful cells. While there have been successful applications of PDT in treating many varieties of cancer, it is still considered highly experimental. However, PDT to treat skin afflictions including acne, psoriasis, and actinic keratosis has entered into the mainstream.
Expressed sequence tag analysis of the response of apple (Malus x domestica 'Royal Gala') to low temperature and water deficit

Leaf, bark, xylem and root tissues were used to make nine cDNA libraries from non-stressed (control) 'Royal Gala' apple trees, and from 'Royal Gala' trees exposed to either low temperature (5 degrees C for 24 h) or water deficit (45% of saturated pot mass for 2 weeks). Over 22 600 clones from the nine libraries were subjected to 5' single-pass sequencing, clustered and annotated using blastx. The number of clusters in the libraries ranged from 170 to 1430. Regarding annotation of the sequences, blastx analysis indicated that within the libraries 65-72% of the clones had a high similarity to known function genes, 6-15% had no functional assignment and 15-26% were completely novel. The expressed sequence tags were combined into three classes (control, low-temperature and water deficit) and the annotated genes in each class were placed into 1 of 10 different functional categories. The percentage of genes falling into each category was then calculated. This analysis indicated a distinct downregulation of genes involved in general metabolism and photosynthesis, while a significant increase in defense/stress-related genes, protein metabolism and energy was observed. In particular, there was a three-fold increase in the number of stress genes observed in the water deficit libraries indicating a major shift in gene expression in response to a chronic stress. The number of stress genes in response to low temperature, although elevated, was much less than the water deficit libraries perhaps reflecting the shorter (24 h) exposure to stress. Genes with greater than five clones in any specific library were identified and, based on the number of clones obtained, the fold increase or decrease in expression in the libraries was calculated and verified by semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction. Genes, of particular note, that code for the following proteins were overexpressed in the low-temperature libraries: dehydrin and metallothionein-like proteins, ubiquitin proteins, a dormancy-associated protein, a plasma membrane intrinsic protein and an RNA-binding protein. Genes that were upregulated in the water deficit libraries fell mainly into the functional categories of stress (heat shock proteins, dehydrins) and photosynthesis. With few exceptions, the overall differences in downregulated genes were nominal compared with differences in upregulated genes. The results of this apple study are similar to other global studies of plant response to stress but offer a more detailed analysis of specific tissue response (bark vs xylem vs leaf vs root) and a comparison between an acute stress (24-h exposure to low temperature) and a chronic stress (2 weeks of water deficit).
Sesquiterpene lactones of Artemisia: TLC analysis and taxonomic significance

Abstract Samples of Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula , A. tridentata ssp. tridentata , ssp. wyomingensis , ssp. vaseyana and ssp. vaseyana f. spiciformis were collected from various locations in Montana and analyzed by TLC for their sesquiterpene lactone content. Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata and ssp. wyomingensis are distinct morphologically and chemically, whereas ssp. vaseyana has three distinct chemical groups not yet separated morphologically. Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula and A. tridentata ssp. vaseyana f. spiciformis are easily separated by morphology but have identical TLC patterns. It has been further shown that the sesquiterpene lactones produced for a particular species or subspecies are the same regardless of the time of the year collected, although the quantity varies from winter to summer.
Fault Location in a Semiconductor Random-Access Memory Unit

A semiconductor random-accessor memory (RAM) unit is a connection of RAM chips, data cable, chip select cable, and address cable so that each storage element can be selected for writing or reading independent of previous writes or reads. The faulty RAM unit is represented by a model consisting of four types of faults: stuck-at-0 or 1 fault on data cable, chip select cable, address cable, and storage elements in RAM chips, and a type of adjacent pattern interference fault in RAM chips. The testing of a RAM unit and locating faults to the RAM chips or wires in the various cables, when the RAM unit is part of a computer system, is considered. A set of six tests has been designed to diagnose the faults in the model. The sequence in which these tests have to be performed is determined. By using this sequence faulty components in a RAM unit are located when at most one type of fault in the model is present.
Long-term renal function in cyclosporine-treated renal allograft recipients.

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors affecting long-term renal function in cyclosporine-treated kidney transplants. Methods The study population comprised 167 patients with more than 5 years of graft function on cyclosporine therapy. Patients were subdivided into those with a serum creatinine level 2.0 mg/dL or less (group I, n = 123) versus those with a level more than 2.0 mg/dL (group II, n = 44) at 5 years post-transplant. Patient survival, graft survival, rejection episodes, renal function, cyclosporine dose and trough level, and proteinuria were compared in these two groups. Results There was no significant difference between groups I and II in terms of race, sex, donor source, donor age, primary renal disease, retransplants, transfusions, presensitization, histocompatibility locus antigen match, or initial nonfunction. At 6 months post-transplantation, the mean serum creatinine level in group II was significantly higher than group I ( P = 0.00001), and this difference increased at subsequent follow-up intervals. The incidence of proteinuria was significantly higher in group II compared with group I ( P P = 0.005). There was no significant difference in the mean cyclosporine dose or the mean cyclosporine trough level between groups I and II at any time following transplantation. The most important difference between groups I and II was the finding of significantly more early ( P P Conclusions These data suggest that long-term renal function in cyclosporine-treated kidney transplant patients is primarily influenced by the occurrence of early and late rejection episodes rather than by the dosage or duration of cyclosporine therapy.
Surface cracking identified in polished and self-glazed dental porcelain.

PURPOSE Polishing and glazing porcelain surfaces of restorations is thought to help reduce the wear on the opposing occlusion because of reduced roughness. MATERIALS AND METHODS To test this theory, samples of a variety of dental porcelains were prepared and subjected to various polishing and self-glazing treatments commonly used in dentistry and then viewed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fine cracks were discovered in the surface of the samples that had been polished and then self-glazed. These cracks were typically greater than 50 microns in length with submicron surface openings and crack depths less than 20 microns. To establish the treatments responsible for the formation of these cracks, a more controlled study was performed. Samples of Vita VMK 68 no. 559 incisal porcelain (Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Sachingen, Germany) were prepared and subjected to six treatments (sample size = 3): treatment no. 1, as-fired condition; treatment no. 2, self-glazed (32 degrees C per minute to 960 degrees C, then cooled); treatments no. 3 and 4, wet ground followed by 1 micron diamond polish (no. 4 was then self-glazed); treatments no. 5 and 6, ground and polished using a Shofu porcelain adjustment kit (Shofu Inc, Kyoto, Japan) (no. 6 was then self-glazed). The samples were observed using SEM. RESULTS Treatments no. 1, 2, 3, and 5 showed no cracking; however, treatments no. 4 and 6 showed cracking in all specimens (approximate levels 5,100 microns/mm2 and 3,600 microns/mm2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Polishing followed by self-glazing produces fine surface cracks. The rougher surface resulting from the surface cracks and subsequent porcelain chipping may cause wear of opposing occlusal surfaces.
A supposed Submarine Ridge along the South-East Coast of Greenland

DURING marine biological work in the Denmark Strait with the Danish Research Ship Dana in August 1933, it was possible to proceed quite close to the coast of East Greenland south of Angmagssalik; practically no ice was met with during this year. For the purpose of the biological work on the drift of cod larvae from Iceland to Greenland with the west-going branch of the Irminger Current, four sections were made from the coast out to deep water. During these sections, as also on the whole cruise, the echo sounding apparatus was constantly used and the soundings revealed—so far as it was possible to carry out the investigations during the time available—that a submarine ridge seems to follow the East FIG. 1. Course of the Dana off the south-east coast of Greenland. Greenland coast, at any rate from about Lat. 64° N. to Cape Farewell (lat. 60° N.).
Thalamocortical model for a propofol-induced α-rhythm associated with loss of consciousness

Recent data reveal that the general anesthetic propofol gives rise to a frontal α-rhythm at dose levels sufficient to induce loss of consciousness. In this work, a computational model is developed that suggests the network mechanisms responsible for such a rhythm. It is shown that propofol can alter the dynamics in thalamocortical loops, leading to persistent and synchronous α-activity. The synchrony that forms in the cortex by virtue of the involvement of the thalamus may impede responsiveness to external stimuli, thus providing a correlate for the unconscious state.
Epicuticular waxes of abies balsamea and picea glauca: Occurrence of long-chain methyl esters

Abstract Epicuticular wax from Abies balsamea contains methyl esters (7%), hexyl and octyl esters (9%), nonacosan-10-ol (14%), free acids (20%), diterpene acids (3%) and free acids and diols (2%) and wax from Picea glauca has methyl esters (6%), hexyl and octyl esters (5%), aldehydes (3%), nonacosan-10-ol (30%), free acids (3%), diterpene acids (10%) and free alcohols and diols (2%). The major methyl ester is methyl triacontanoate; the long-chain esters are C 30 C 44 hexyl and octyl esters of C 24 C 34 acids; the major aldehyde is triacontanal. Major free acids and alcohols are C 16 C 32 and the principal diol is nonacosane-5,10-diol.
Reductase activity encoded by the HM1 disease resistance gene in maize

The HM1 gene in maize controls both race-specific resistance to the fungus Cochliobolus carbonum race 1 and expression of the NADPH (reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate)-dependent HC toxin reductase (HCTR), which inactivates HC toxin, a cyclic tetrapeptide produced by the fungus to permit infection. Several HM1 alleles were generated and cloned by transposon-induced mutagenesis. The sequence of wild-type HM1 shares homology with dihydroflavonol-4-reductase genes from maize, petunia, and snap-dragon. Sequence homology is greatest in the beta alpha beta-dinucleotide binding fold that is conserved among NADPH- and NADH (reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)-dependent reductases and dehydrogenases. This indicates that HM1 encodes HCTR.
Location of glycerol phosphate acyltransferase in the transverse plane of mitochondrial outer membrane of guinea pig lung.

Abstract Incubation of guinea pig lung mitochondrial suspension in an isotonic low ionic strength buffer containing various proteolytic enzymes caused significant stimulation of the glycerophosphate acyltransferase activity. The maximal stimulation range between 20 and 105%, and the order was as follows: bromelain >chymotrypsin >pronase >trypsin >papain > nagarse. Under hypotonic conditions, over 85% of GAT was destroyed by all the proteolytic enzymes. Microsonal enzyme activity was consistently inhibited (>95%) by exposure to any of these proteases even under isotonic conditions. These results suggest that GAT is located on the inner aspect of the mitochondrial outer membrane. Also, it is likely that a portion of this enzyme or that of a modulator is present in the outer side of the outer membrane and proteolysis of this component causes stimulation.
Examining the effects of self‐concept and work values on reading achievement

Introduction Despite the behavior of some, reading teachers recognize that there is no one instructional approach or one set of materials appropriate for all students. Reading teachers, consequently, are generally among those teachers making conscientious efforts to adapt their instruction to the specific needs of each of their students. The community college reading teacher, for example, bases a student's instructional program on the results obtained from standardized and informal tests. One student, therefore, may be receiving instruction focused upon
Synergistic effect of portal glucose and glucagon-like peptide-1 to lower systemic glucose and stimulate counter-regulatory hormones

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an insulinotropic hormone released from the gut in response to nutrients. Besides its well-established direct effect on pancreatic beta cells, GLP-1 may also act by activating sensors in the hepatoportal area. We therefore studied the impact of putative GLP-1 sensors in the splanchnic circulation. We infused GLP-1 into the portal vein of conscious dogs, while also infusing glucose intraportally or systemically. In the first experiment, we infused glucose intraportally, simulating portal glucose values obtained during a previous mixed-meal test, with or without co-infusion of intraportal GLP-1. In the second experiment, by infusing glucose systemically, with or without intraportal GLP-1, we investigated whether the effects of systemic glucose with or without portal GLP-1 infusion are similar to those observed in the first experiment. Intraportal infusion of GLP-1 and glucose significantly raised peripheral GLP-1 levels, but did not produce an insulin response different from intraportal glucose alone. However, the resulting peripheral glycaemia was significantly lower compared to glucose infusion alone, and there were elevations in glucagon, cortisol and lactate. In contrast to the portal glucose infusions, there were no significant differences in glucose, insulin, glucagon, cortisol or lactate levels between systemic glucose infusion with or without GLP-1. Portal GLP-1 and portal glucose, but not systemic glucose, can produce decreased peripheral glucose levels independently of hyperinsulinaemia. This suggests that portal GLP-1 and glucose receptors mediate insulin-independent changes in peripheral glycaemia and determine a strong counter-regulatory response, as reflected by changes in glucagon and cortisol.
In Situ and Multisubstrate Detection of Elastase Enzymatic Activity External to Microdialysis Sampling Probes Using LC−ESI-MS

Extracellular proteases play significant roles in mammalian development and disease. Enzymatic activity external to a microdialysis sampling probe can be determined by infusing judicious choices of substrates followed by collecting and measuring the products. Porcine pancreatic elastase was used as a model enzyme with two substrates possessing different cleavage sites, N-methoxysuccinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (FL-substrate) and N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Ala-p-nitroanilide (UV-substrate). These substrates were infused through the microdialysis sampling probe to a solution containing elastase. The resulting four products and the remaining two substrates were collected into the dialysate and were subsequently analyzed off-line using liquid chromatography−mass spectrometry (LC−MS) with electrospray ionization (ESI). All analytes were identified using extracted ion chromatograms of m/z 628 (FL-substrate), m/z 452 (UV-substrate), m/z 471 (N-methoxysuccinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val, FL-NTP), m/z 332 (N-succiny...
A simplified design of long-scale meters

THERE HAS BEEN considerable demand for switchboard-type a-c ammeters and voltmeters of sturdy construction, good readability, small size, and low cost, as well as for instruments having uniform pointer positions for given electrical quantities, permitting scale interchangeability and comparison of readings.
Measurements of relative concentrations and velocities of small clusters (n⩽40) in expanding water vapor flows

The concentrations of water clusters (2⩽n⩽40) relative to the monomer concentration in expanding water vapor flows have been determined over a range of source pressures and temperatures by mass spectrometry. The corresponding directed flow velocities and thermal velocity distributions of the monomers and clusters of each size have been determined by mass‐filtered time‐of‐flight (velocity) spectrometry. Relative concentration generally decreases exponentially with n. Translational thermal equilibrium ∼65 K prevails for the monomers and clusters of n≲5 under all source conditions. Translational temperatures of larger clusters generally increase with increasing n. The results suggest a kinetic process in which surviving smaller clusters are formed in three‐body collisions and larger ones in two‐body collisions.
Innate immunity: Lipoproteins take their Toll on the host

Abstract A family of mammalian Toll-like receptors (TLRs) has a critical role in the recognition of microbial infection. Recent evidence suggests that bacterial lipoproteins – major components of bacterial cell walls – are recognized by a member of the human TLR family.