cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic control of cell wall invertases in developing endosperm of maize

We show here that the total invertase activity in developing seeds of maize is due to two cell wall invertase (CWI) genes, Incw1 and Incw2 (Mn1). Our previous results have shown that loss-of-function mutations at the Mn1 locus lead to the miniature-1 (mn1) seed phenotype, marked by a loss of >70% of seed weight at maturity. The mn1 seed mutant is, however, non-lethal presumably because it retains a residual low level, ∼1%, of the total CWI activity relative to the Mn1 endosperm throughout seed development. Evidence here shows that the residual activity in the mn1 mutant is encoded by the Incw1 gene. RNA level analyses, especially quantitative real-time PCR studies, showed significant spatial and temporal heterogeneity in the expression of the two CWI genes in the developing endosperm. The Mn1-encoded Incw2 transcripts were seen at the highest levels in the basal region (the sugar unloading zone) during the early phase of cell division and elongation in the endosperm. In contrast, the highest levels of Incw1 transcripts were seen in the storage phase in both the upper (storage cells) and the lower parts of the endosperm. Protein and enzyme level analyses, however, appeared to show a lack of concordance with the RNA level of expression in both the Mn1 and mn1 endosperms, indicating a possibility of post-transcriptional control in the expression of these two genes. Collectively, the data suggest an important role for apoplastic cleavage of sucrose throughout the duration of seed development; and, of the two isoforms, the INCW2 appears to control metabolic flux of sugar utilization in the developing endosperm.
Selective Removal of Alkali Metal Cations from Multiply-Charged Ions via Gas-Phase Ion/Ion Reactions Using Weakly Coordinating Anions

Selective removal of alkali metal cations from mixed cation multiply-charged peptide ions is demonstrated here using gas-phase ion/ion reactions with a series of weakly coordinating anions (WCAs), including hexafluorophosphate (PF6−), tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate (BARF), tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (TPPB), and carborane (CHB11Cl11−). In all cases, a long-lived complex is generated by dication/anion condensation followed by ion activation to compare proton transfer with alkali ion transfer from the peptide to the anion. The carborane anion was the only anion studied to undergo dissociation exclusively through loss of the metallated anion, regardless of the studied metal adduct. All other anions studied yield varying abundances of protonated and metallated peptide depending on the peptide sequence and the metal identity. Density functional theory calculations suggest that for the WCAs studied, metal ion transfer is most strongly favored thermodynamically, which is consistent with the experimental results. The carborane anion is demonstrated to be a robust reagent for the selective removal of alkali metal cations from peptide cations with mixtures of excess protons and metal cations.
Ricci flow on Kähler-Einstein manifolds

This is the continuation of our earlier article [10]. For any Kahler-Einstein surfaces with positive scalar curvature, if the initial metric has positive bisectional curvature, then we have proved (see [10]) that the Kahler-Ricci flow converges exponentially to a unique Kahler-Einstein metric in the end. This partially answers a long-standing problem in Ricci flow: On a compact Kahler-Einstein manifold, does the Kahler-Ricci flow converge to a Kahler-Einstein metric if the initial metric has positive bisectional curvature? In this article we give a complete affirmative answer to this problem
Combination of immunosensor detection with viability testing and confirmation using the polymerase chain reaction and culture.

Rapid and accurate differential determination of viable versus nonviable microbes is critical for formulation of an appropriate response after pathogen detection. Sensors for rapid bacterial identification can be used for applications ranging from environmental monitoring and home-land defense to food process monitoring, but few provide viability information. This study combines the rapid screening capability of the array biosensor using an immunoassay format with methods for determination of viability. Additionally, cells captured by the immobilized antibodies can be cultured following fluorescence imaging to further confirm viability and for cell population expansion for further characterization, e.g., strain identification or antibiotic susceptibility testing. Finally, we demonstrate analysis of captured bacteria using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR results for waveguide-captured cells were 3 orders of magnitude more sensitive than the fluorescence immunoassay and can also provide additional genetic information on the captured microbes. These approaches can be used to rapidly detect and distinguish viable versus nonviable and pathogenic versus nonpathogenic captured organisms, provide culture materials for further analysis on a shorter time scale, and assess the efficacy of decontamination or sterilization procedures.
5′-Phosphate and 5′-Phosphonate Ester Derivatives of (N)-Methanocarba Adenosine with in Vivo Cardioprotective Activity

Activation of a cardiac myocyte P2X4 receptor protects against heart failure. 5′-Phosphonate and 5′-phosphate analogues of AMP containing a (N)-methanocarba (bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane) system could protect from heart failure by potentially activating this cardioprotective channel. Phosphoesters and phosphonodiesters were synthesized and administered in vivo via a miniosmotic pump in a mouse ischemic heart failure model and most significantly increased intact heart contractile function (echocardiography) compared to vehicle infusion. Several new thio and deuterated phosphate derivatives were protective in a calsequestrin (CSQ) overexpressing heart failure model. Diethyl (7, MRS4084) and diisopropyl (8, MRS4074) phosphotriesters were highly protective in the ischemic model. Substitution of 2-Cl with iodo reduced protection in the CSQ model. Diisopropyl ester 16 (MRS2978) of (1′S,2′R,3′S,4′R,5′S)-4′-(6-amino-2-chloropurin-9-yl)-2′,3′-(dihydroxy)-1′-(phosphonoethylene)bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane was highly efficacious (C...
Channel capacity of a finite-state linear automation (Corresp.)

A finite-state deterministic linear automaton is viewed as a communication channel from a source to a receiver, accepting source symbols as inputs and generating outputs for a receiver. The automaton is assumed to be composed of two subautomata, one representing the next-state function and one the output function. With the use of Shannon's theorem for capacities of discrete channels, it is demonstrated that the channel capacities of the linear automaton and its subautomata can be readily determined by an analytical procedure rather than by applying an iterative algorithm as required for general finite-state automata.
Toward an OpenSocial Life Science Gateway

To enable the Life Science community to fully use TeraGrid resources for computing and data management, we developed an integrated cyber computational environment named the Open Life Science Gateway. Based on a service-oriented framework, the gateway aggregates a group of bioinformatics applications and data collections into a Web portal. Furthermore, this gateway provides a platform for life science researchers to collaboratively conduct bioinformatics computing, building their communities and sharing data and workflows. In the era of Web 2.0, gadgets such as iGoogle gadgets are becoming increasingly popular for integration and customization of Web contents from different sources. Social networking is also gaining attention because it has created powerful new ways to build virtual communities in a bottom-up manner. Google's OpenSocial framework standardizes the practices of both gadget programming and online social networking, enabling Web developers to write social gadgets that can run in any OpenSocial-compliant container. These new Web technologies can leverage science gateway portals in terms of rich user interface and social network capability, which will promote the adoption of science gateways for advanced education purpose. This paper introduces the Open Life Science Gateway service-oriented framework and describes our efforts to develop OpenSocial gadgets for running bioinformatics analysis tools on the TeraGrid resources. The gadgets can be deployed in OpenSocial containers such as the iGoogle Sandbox and Apache Shindig. With these gadgets, biologists and biology students can easily run their analysis programs and browse outputs through social Web sites.
Relation of Smoking and Age to Findings in Lung Parenchyma: A Microscopic Study

A microscopic study was made to determine the relationship between various lung parenchymal changes, smoking habits and age. The subjects were 1,824 men and women for whom a macroscopic study of pulmonary emphysema has previously been reported. Lung parenchymal changes included rupture of alveolar septa (emphysema), fibrosis, and thickening of small arteries and arterioles. The mean degree of each of these pathologic changes increased with age and was far greater in cigarette smokers than in nonsmokers. The mean degree of emphysema increased from 0.09 in men who never smoked, to 1.43 in those who smoked less than one half pack per day, to 2.27 for 2+ packs per day smokers. The mean degree of fibrosis was 40 times as high in 2+ packs per day smokers as for men who never smoked. The degree of thickening of arterioles and arteries showed the same pattern by smoking habits. Cigar and pipe smokers had pathologic changes that were greater than for men who never smoked, but less than for cigarette smokers. Former smokers who had given up smoking cigarettes for more than ten years had lesser degrees of pathologic changes than those who had given up cigarettes for less than ten years. The patterns of changes for the 388 women in the study were essentially the same as for men.
Frequency domain studies of intersubband optical transitions in Si inversion layers

Abstract Fourier Transform Spectroscopic studies of inter-electric-field subband transitions in Silicon inversion layers are compared with optical properties calculated with a 5 media model and a classical dielectric function representation of the inversion layer. Qualitative discrepancies in relative intensities of the subband transitions are interpreted in terms of many-body effects.
Analysis of bacteriophage T4 chloramphenicol RNA by DNA-RNA hybridization and by cell-free protein synthesis, and the effect of Escherichia coli polarity-suppressing alleles on its synthesis.

Abstract Bacteriophage T4 RNA synthesized in the presence of chloramphenicol has been studied by three different techniques, and the effect of a polarity-suppressing allele in the host bacterium on the synthesis of T4 RNA has been examined. Hybridization competition experiments reveal that T4 RNA extracted after infection in the presence of chloramphenicol increases in its ability to compete with radioactive RNA labeled 0 to 5 minutes after infection in the absence of chloramphenicol. When RNA extracted 20 minutes after T4 infection in the presence of chloramphenicol is used to compete with T4 RNA labeled 5 to 10 minutes after infection in the absence of the drug, only 10% of the labeled early RNA is not competed. Early in infection chloramphenicol reduces the rate of [ 3 H]uridine incorporation into T4 RNA to about one-half the normal rate. Analysis of T4 RNA by hybridization to 3 H-labeled l strands of T4 DNA, followed by S1 nuclease digestion, indicates that T4 RNA made in the presence or absence of chloramphenicol contains equal amounts of sequences representing about 25% of all early transcription. Other sequences are less frequent in chloramphenicol RNA. At high RNA concentrations up to 90% of the l -strand can be protected by RNA extracted 10 minutes after infection. RNA extracted after infection in the presence of chloramphenicol protects less of the DNA than normal RNA but a definite saturation plateau is not attained at 600 μg chloramphenicol RNA/ml, which is above the saturating level for normal RNA. At 600 μg RNA/ml, the RNA extracted from cells infected in the presence of chloramphenicol protects 80% as much of the DNA as does RNA from non-chloramphenicol-treated cells. T4 RNA extracted after infection in the presence of chloramphenicol is an efficient template for small T4 polypeptides such as internal protein III and the gene 42 polypeptide, but it is a very poor template for polypeptides having a molecular weight greater than 25,000. Normal RNA from T4-infected cells codes for polypeptides having a molecular weight up to 100,000. T4 chloramphenicol RNA is also a very poor template for some of the same polypeptides that are not made in vivo in the presence of rifampicin. In particular, chloramphenicol RNA lacks functional messenger RNA from genes 32 and 45, two members of the quasi-late class of T4 genes. The polarity-suppressing alleles, suA and su78 , fail to enhance significantly the amount or types of T4 RNA made in the presence of chloramphenicol. One Escherichia coli K12 strain studied does make significantly more T4 early RNA species in the presence of chloramphenicol.
Is pressure stressful? The impact of pressure on the stress response and category learning

We examined the basic question of whether pressure is stressful. We proposed that when examining the role of stress or pressure in cognitive performance, it is important to consider the type of pressure, the stress response, and the aspect of cognition assessed. In Experiment 1, outcome pressure was not experienced as stressful but did lead to impaired performance on a rule-based (RB) category-learning task, but not on a more procedural information-integration (II) task. In Experiment 2, the addition of monitoring pressure resulted in a modest stress response to combined pressure and impairment on both tasks. Across experiments, higher stress appraisals were associated with decreased performance on the RB, but not on the II, task. In turn, higher stress reactivity (i.e., heart rate) was associated with enhanced performance on the II, but not on the RB, task. This work represents an initial step toward integrating the stress cognition and pressure cognition literatures and suggests that integrating these fields may require consideration of the type of pressure, the stress response, and the cognitive system mediating performance.
On the incremental growth of mechanical structures subjected to cyclic thermal and mechanical loading

In this research paper the total accumulation of plastic strains of a thick walled tube subjected to rapid heating and cooling of the inside of the cylinder over four cycles is investigated. For numerical analysis a quasi-static uncoupled thermoelastoplastic solution is presented. The problem is solved for the case of a material with temperature dependent properties. The plastic deformation for the first four cycles is computed. The yield reduction at each cycle was considered. It was found that incremental deformation or reversed plasticity may occur, depending on the type of mechanical loading. For mechanical loading two situations were considered.
Molecular hydrogen in Titan's atmosphere: Implications of the measured tropospheric and thermospheric mole fractions

Abstract The third most abundant species in Titan’s atmosphere is molecular hydrogen with a tropospheric/lower stratospheric mole fraction of 0.001 derived from Voyager and Cassini infrared measurements. The globally averaged thermospheric H 2 mole fraction profile from the Cassini Ion Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) measurements implies a small positive gradient in the H 2 mixing ratio from the tropopause region to the lower thermosphere (∼950–1000 km), which drives a downward H 2 flux into Titan’s surface comparable to the H 2 escape flux out of the atmosphere (∼2 × 1010 cm−2 s−1 referenced to the surface) and requires larger photochemical production rates of H 2 than obtained by previous photochemical models. From detailed model calculations based on known photochemistry with eddy, molecular, and thermal diffusion, the tropospheric and thermospheric H 2 mole fractions are incompatible by a factor of ∼2. The measurements imply that the downward H 2 surface flux is in substantial excess of the speculative threshold value for methanogenic life consumption of H 2 (McKay, C.P., Smith, H.D. [2005], Icarus 178, 274–276. doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2005.05.018), but without the extreme reduction in the surface H 2 mixing ratio.
Part II: Where Do Reputations Come From?: The Social Performance Uncertainty Principle

The first panel session of the conference examined some of the key perspectives researchers and practitioners take when they discuss corporate reputations. Among the more common views are those of Organization Theory, Marketing, Strategic Management, and Social Responsibility. Panelist presentations were as follows:
Microangiographic techniques in the study of normal and tumor tissue vascular systems

Abstract Techniques are described for the visualization of either the arterial or the entire vascular system of normal or malignant tissues. Such techniques are useful for evaluating changes in large areas of a vascular bed following a variety of experimental treatments. Red lead oxide or Pelikan ink suspended in a heparinized gelatin-Joy detergent medium can be visualized in perfused vessels by high resolution microradiography or photomicrography. The system facilitates the evaluation of pathologic lesions with regard to the vascular integrity of the organ or tissue under investigation.
Simplified capillary electrophoresis nanospray sheath‐flow interface for high efficiency and sensitive peptide analysis

We report a simple nanospray sheath-flow interface for capillary electrophoresis. This interface relies on electrokinetic flow to drive both the separation and the electrospray; no mechanical pump is used for the sheath flow. This system was interfaced with an LCQ mass spectrometer. The best results were observed with a 2-microm diameter emitter tip and a 1-mm spacing between the separation capillary tip and the emitter tip. Under these conditions, mass detection limits (3sigma) of 100 amol were obtained for insulin receptor fragment 1142-1153. The separation efficiency exceeded 200,000 plates for this compound. The relative standard deviation generated during continual infusion of a 50 microM solution of angiotensin II was 2% for the total ion count and 3% for the extracted ion count over a 40-min period. Finally, the interface was also demonstrated for negative ion mode.
Neoplastic cell transformation by energetic heavy ions and its modification with chemical agents.

One of the major deleterious late effects of ionizing radiation is related to the induction of neoplasms. In the present report recent experimental results on neoplastic cell transformation by heavy ions are presented, and possible means to circumvent the carcinogenic effect of space radiation are discussed. Biological effects observed in experiments involving the use of energetic heavy ions accelerated at the Bevalac suggest that many of the biological effects observed in earlier space flight experiments may be due to space radiation, particularly cosmic rays. It is found that the effect of radiation on cell transformation is dose-rate dependent. The frequency of neoplastic transformation for a given dose decreases with a decrease of dose rate of Co-60 gamma rays. It is found that various chemical agents give radiation protection, including DMSO.
Adjunctive strategies to enhance peripheral warming: Clinical techniques

This study investigates common successful strategies to increase peripheral temperature with biofeedback. Eighteen BCIA-certified therapists (average years of practice, 7.5) were interviewed by telephone for 30 to 45 minutes regarding successful peripheral warming strategies. The practitioners reported using multiple teaching strategies, either concurrently or sequentially. These responses were organized into an interrelated four-category model that consists of the following: (1) Attentional Category--shifting from active to passive attention; (2) General Arousal Category--shifting from hyper- to hypoarousal; (3) Proprioceptive/Kinesthetic Awareness Category--shifting from decreased to increased body awareness; (4) Self-Image/Self-Esteem Category--shifting from negative to positive self-image/self-esteem. These four categories and their corresponding techniques can be used to facilitate peripheral warming.
Physics of organic alloy light-emitting diodes

We present theoretical models and experimental results on the carrier transport mechanisms in single-layer organic alloy light emitting diodes. The typical organic alloy consists of a mixture of electron and hole transporting materials. The device shows significant improvement in lifetime at room and elevated temperatures. The improvement is attributed to the elimination of the heterointerface and the minimization of the formation of unstable tris-8- hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq 3 ) cations. The efficiency is comparable to those of their heterojunction counterparts. Balanced bipolar carrier injection and transport are made possible by adjusting the alloy composition and doping. We model the device by assigning individual conduction channels to each type of material. The sensitivity of the diode efficiency on several key parameters is studied.
Adventures in clinical research on bones and stones.

In Rising to say a few words to you as retiring President of The Endocrine Society, it cannot be said that there has not been ample warning of this moment. For two years I have known that only an act of God could avert the necessity of my speaking at this time and of your being a captive audience.
Reliability of Silicon Carbide Integrated Circuits at 300°C

Silicon carbide based integrated circuits (ICs) have the potential to operate at temperatures exceeding that of conventional semiconductors such as silicon and silicon on insulator. Analog and digital silicon carbide (SiC) based circuits were fabricated and characterized at room temperature and 300°C. An operational amplifier and a ring oscillator were tested for prolonged period of time to evaluate their stability and reliability at 300°C. More than 1,000 hours was achieved with the operational amplifier without failures and the ring oscillator operated for almost 300 hours.
US pediatric population-level associations of DXA-measured percentage of body fat with four BMI metrics with cutoffs.

US pediatric population-level associations of DXA-measured percentage of body fat with four BMI metrics with cutoffs
Noise and lifetime measurements in Si p+-i-n power diodes

Abstract Noise in Si p+-i-n power diodes was measured. At low frequencies the noise was of the 1 ƒ type and at higher frequencies we observed shot noise. In the 1 ƒ noise regime, and at back bias, S I d (ƒ)/||I d | was found to be independent of the back bias; this can be explained with the help of the Hooge equation. The noise measurements then yield αH/τ, where αH is the Hooge parameter and τ the time constant associated with the hole-electron recombination process. Evaluating τ from admittance data then gives αH = (4.0 ± 0.8) × 10−3, in good agreement with the fundamental value of 4.6 × 10−3. A discussion is given of finding τ from the measurements of the (complex) h.f. device admittance.
Vanadium Doped Nanostructured TiO 2 Dielectrics

Dielectric properties of titanium oxide ceramics are strongly influenced by the microstructural features and concentration of dopants and impurity ions. Electrical conductivity (via insulation resistance) of vanadium doped nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO2) ceramics was measured as a function of donor concentration and temperature. In order to further clarify the effect of the dopants on the microstructural development and resultant dielectric properties of TiO2, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was employed. Vanadium-doped TiO2 exhibited well-defined hyperfine splitting characteristics of the 51V nuclei indicating that the dopant ions are dispersed within the grains and not preferentially segregated at the grain boundaries.
Biodistribution of indocyanine green-loaded nanoparticles with surface modifications of PEG and folic acid.

Abstract Purpose To establish the biodistribution profile of the PLGA nanoparticles with dual surface modifications of PEG and folic acid (FA) in mice xenografted with MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells with high expression of folate receptor (FR); and to illustrate that the modified nanoparticles can target the loaded indocyanine green (ICG) to the tumor with high FR expression. Methods ICG-loaded nanoparticles were prepared with PLGA (non-modified nanoparticles, NM-NP) or mPEG-PLGA and FA-PLGA (dual modified nanoparticles, DM-NP). Biodistribution of the ICG-loaded nanoparticles (1.25 mg/kg) after i.v. injection was investigated on athymic mice transplanted with MDA-MB-231 tumor. Results ICG concentration in plasma from the DM-NP group was significantly ( p p 0–12 h in plasma by 245% and the AUC 0–12 h in tumor by 194%, while decreased the AUC 0–12 h in liver by 13%. Conclusion The accumulation of DM-NP into the tumor was significantly higher than NM-NP due to the long circulation and FR-mediated uptake.
Integration Of A Digital Image Processing System Into A Hospital Special Procedure Suite: Evaluation And Preliminary Results

We have recently interfaced an ADAC DPS-4100 "Digital Radiography Processing System" with an existing Siemens X-ray - image intensifier imaging chain and Sierra Scientific DAV-16 video camera with an Amperex 73-XQ plumbicon. This report presents our experiences with the integration process, and preliminary results of the system's evaluation.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Molecular Cloning of Caveolin-3, a Novel Member of the Caveolin Gene Family Expressed Predominantly in Muscle

Abstract Caveolin, a 21-24-kDa integral membrane protein, is a principal component of caveolar membranes in vivo. Caveolin interacts directly with heterotrimeric G-proteins and can functionally regulate their activity. Recently, a second caveolin gene has been identified and termed caveolin-2. Here, we report the molecular cloning and expression of a third member of the caveolin gene family, caveolin-3. Caveolin-3 is most closely related to caveolin-1 based on protein sequence homology; caveolin-1 and caveolin-3 are 65% identical and 85% similar. A single stretch of eight amino acids (FEDVIAEP) is identical in caveolin-1, −2, and −3. This conserved region may represent a “caveolin signature sequence” that is characteristic of members of the caveolin gene family. Caveolin-3 mRNA is expressed predominantly in muscle tissue types (skeletal muscle, diaphragm, and heart) and is selectively induced during the differentiation of skeletal C2C12 myoblasts in culture. In many respects, caveolin-3 is similar to caveolin-1: (i) caveolin-3 migrates in velocity gradients as a high molecular mass complex; (ii) caveolin-3 colocalizes with caveolin-1 by immunofluorescence microscopy and cell fractionation studies; and (iii) a caveolin-3-derived polypeptide functionally suppresses the basal GTPase activity of purified heterotrimeric G-proteins. Identification of a muscle-specific member of the caveolin gene family may have implications for understanding the role of caveolin in different muscle cell types (smooth, cardiac, and skeletal) as previous morphological studies have demonstrated that caveolae are abundant in these cells. Our results also suggest that other as yet unknown caveolin family members are likely to exist and may be expressed in a regulated or tissue-specific fashion.
Electrical impedance in the subicular area of rats during paradoxical sleep

A four-electrode method of chronically measuring impedance of less than 1 mm3 parts of brain in unrestrained rats is described. The method is usually good from about 1.5 to 3,000 cycle/sec for the absolute value of phase angle, and relative changes in magnitude of impedance can be measured from about 1.5 to 10,000 cycle/sec. Testing current of 2 × 10−8 amp is used, which produces a signal of about 20 μv. Stability for hours and days is sometimes, but not always, achieved. In the subicular area, there is invariably an increase in magnitude of impedance of up to 25% during paradoxical sleep. In the same animal, this increase is the same during all episodes of paradoxical sleep lasting longer than 1 min, and is the same at 32 to 10,000 cycle/sec. The phase angle at 100 to 1,000 cycle/sec becomes 1 or 2 deg more negative during paradoxical sleep. There are no changes or very small changes in Ammon's horn and the fascia dentata. Because these data are fairly complete, the mechanisms which might possibly be responsible for these impedance changes can be stated specifically in semiquantitative form. Among several possibilities, a single one cannot be chosen on the basis of these impedance data alone, but from other considerations, a decreased size of interstitial space seems by far the most likely.
A Note on D-Optimal Designs for Partially Nonlinear Regression Models

Hill (1980) states that a D-optimal design for the estimation of a subset of the parameter vector in a partially nonlinear model depends on only those parameters that appear nonlinearly in the model. In this note we demonstrate that Hill's statement is incorrect and present a suffkient condition under which it is valid.
Pressure drop of polymeric melts in conical converging flow: Experiments and predictions

It is of importance to estimate the pressure drop of polymeric materials in a converging die with an abrupt change in geometry for many polymer processes. In the present study, experiments have been conducted with an extruder and conical dies of four different converging angles for two different polymeric melts under various processing conditions. As part of the analysis, numerical calculations have been carried out using a finite element method (FEM) for a power-law fluid model, A simple formula for estimating pressure drops has also been derived based on a power-law fluid model with normal-stress effects incorporated. In particular, the formula with the normal-stress term excluded underpredicts pressure drops systematically at high flow rates, giving very similar results to those by the FEM calculation. When the normal-stress term is included, the formula is in bettor agreement with the experimental data, confirming that the normal stress effect is important at high flow rates. Other formulae in the literature have been also compared with the present experimental data.
Epichloë glyceriae infection affects carbon translocation in the clonal grass Glyceria striata

Summary • Systemic fungal endophytes derive resources from hosts and can affect host resource movement and integration. We examined whether infection by Epichloe glyceriae altered clonal growth of its host, Glyceria striata, through changes in physiology. • Growth of severed and intact stolons was compared to examine physiological integration in infected and disinfected (fungicide-treated) plants. To assess whether infection changed carbon (C) movement, labelling with 14C was used. • We found physiological integration did not affect biomass per stolon for either infected or disinfected plants. The severed stolon to intact stolon ratio for the number of daughter ramets within a plant did not differ by infection status, although fewer daughter ramets were produced on severed stolons of disinfected plants. 14C movement from the labelled leaf was greater for infected stolons, whereas the labelled leaf retained more assimilate for stolons of disinfected plants. • Previous studies showed that Epichloe glyceriae could increase host clonal growth. In this study, infection changed host assimilate distribution, but did not lead to corresponding differences in stolon growth. The effects of endophytes on host physiology and clonal growth may depend on environmental conditions.
Photothermal readout of surface-arrayed proteins: attomole detection levels with gold nanoparticle visualization.

Transverse photothermal beam deflection (tPBD) is used to detect and quantify proteins arrayed on slides. The slides are “read” using an argon-ion excitation source. Optical absorption cross-sections of most proteins are too small for submonolayer coverages to produce thermal gradients of sufficient magnitude for detection using tPBD. Thus, surface-arrayed proteins are stained using mercaptoalkanoic acid coated gold nanoparticles (maa-AuNP). The large optical cross-sections of AuNP combined with electrolyte-induced AuNP aggregation afford a highly sensitive method for protein detection. Following maa-AuNP staining, the tPBD signal varies linearly with the amount of protein (Neutravidin) spotted on the slide surface: from 0.001 to 1.0 monolayer of protein. In a single 0.7 mm diameter array spot, the tPBD detection limit is 33 amol of Neutravidin or fewer than 55 protein molecules per μm2. Despite the nonspecific nature of interactions between maa-AuNP and proteins, significant variations in protein staini...
Calcium and its Relationship to Excess Feed Consumption, Body Weight, Egg Size, Fat Deposition, Shell Quality, and Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome,

In Experiment 1, Hyline W36 caged hens were fed diets containing 1.7, 2.9, 3.5, and 4.1% calcium for 10 and 16 weeks. In Experiments 2 and 4, Dekalb XL and Hyline W36 pullets were fed diets containing 1.0, 1.7, and 3.75% calcium for 3 weeks (Exp. 2) or until 25 pullets from each group laid 7 eggs (Exp. 4). In Experiment 3 and 5, Dekalb and Hyline hens were fed diets containing 1.5 (Dekalb only), 1.75, 2.25, 2.75, and 3.75% calcium for 8 weeks. Criteria were liver, fat pad, egg and shell weights, egg specific gravity, production, feed consumption, liver fat and fatty acid composition, liver hemorrhage score, and body weight. As percent dietary calcium decreased, Hyline birds (Exp. 1, 4, and 5) had increased liver fat, body weight (except Exp. 4), and feed consumption, but egg specific gravity and shell weight decreased. Reduced dietary calcium levels had no effect on egg production in Experiment 1 but significantly reduced production in Experiment 5. Liver hemorrhage score significantly increased as percent dietary calcium decreased (Exp. 1). As dietary calcium decreased, Dekalb pullets (Exp. 2) had increased feed consumption, fat pad weight, and liver hemorrhage score. There was no increase in liver fat. However, in Dekalb hens (Exp. 3), feed consumption and egg production were significantly decreased as dietary calcium decreased. It is concluded that overconsumption caused by feeding pullets or hens inadequate calcium had no beneficial effect on egg size or egg production and, depending on strain, increased liver fat, liver hemorrhage score, body weight, and fat pad weight.
Therapy with Antibody to Tumor Necrosis Factor in Sepsis

Recent data indicate that proinflammatory cytokines mediate pathophysiological events during clinical sepsis. The cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been closely associated with adverse outcome from sepsis, both in animal models and in the clinical setting. Accordingly, monoclonal antibodies with the capacity to neutralize TNF in vitro have been developed for evaluation as therapeutic agents in clinical sepsis. Preclinical studies in animal models of sepsis due to gram-negative as well as to gram-positive bacteria suggest that monoclonal antibodies to TNF may have potential as a therapeutic agent. Clinical trials to test this hypothesis are under way
PURE-INJECTIVE ENVELOPES

It is proved that if C is a locally finitely presented additive category, then every object X of C admits a pure-injective envelope. Considered as a morphism, the pure-injective envelope is a pure-monomorphism.
Transition and Students with Learning Disabilities Creating Sound Futures

This article initiates a double issue that addresses a traditionally absent or rare piece in the system puzzle of preparing individuals with learning disabilities to meet the challenges of adulthood. Most professional efforts have focused on academic preparation for the 25 years or so that learning disabilities have been recognized. The rest of the person's adult adjustment (self-determination, life skills and community living, vocational preparation and employment, etc.) is presented within the framework of vertical and horizontal transitions, to organize the reader to consider all the options that youth must consider and prepare for. Individualized transition planning is discussed as a dynamic vehicle by which to empower students and families to utilize strengths, set and reach short-term and long-range goals, and include community variables in the process. Finally, an overview of the two issues describes their creation, their core common themes, and highlights of each article.
Some characterizations of almost sure bounds for weighted multidimensional empirical distributions and a Glivenko-Cantelli theorem for sample quantiles

Characterizations of almost sure bounds and a Glivenko-Cantelli theorem are obtained for certain weighted m-dimensional empirical distributions. These results constitute generalizations and extensions of the work of Shorack and Wellner (1978) and Wellner (1977, 1978). Also as an example of the potential use of the techniques developed in this paper a Glivenko-Cantelli type theorem is proven for sample quantiles.
Coexistent systemic lupus erythematosus and tophaceous gout

Only seven patients with coexistent gout and systemic lupus erythematosus have been reported in the English-language literature. We describe an eighth case, which is the first, to our knowledge, in the dermatologic literature. The patient met four of the eleven new American Rheumatism Association criteria for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, and clinical, laboratory, roentgenographic, and histologic assessments confirmed the diagnosis of gout.
Some critical issues in caregiver intervention research.

(2001). Some critical issues in caregiver intervention research. Aging & Mental Health: Vol. 5, No. sup1, pp. 112-115.
Acute megakaryocytic leukemia presenting as hypercalcemia with skeletal lytic lesions

Acute megakaryocytic leukemia (AML M7) is a rare type of acute myelogenous leukemia in adults, commonly presenting with myelofibrosis. This report describes a case of a 32-yr-old male who presented with hypercalcemia and bony lytic lesions, in the absence of myelofibrosis. The diagnosis of AML M7 should be considered in a patient with pancytopenia, lytic lesions and hypercalcemia.
Improved algorithms for closed step-down procedures to test heterogeneity of all subsets of means

Abstract A common problem in analysis of variance is testing for heterogeneity of different subsets of the full set of k population means. A step-down procedure tests a given subset of p means only after rejecting homogeneity for all sets that contain it. The Peritz and Gabriel closed procedure rejects homogeneity for the subset if every partition of the k means that includes the subset includes some rejected set. The Begun and Gabriel closure algorithm reduces computations, but the number of tests still increases exponentially with respect to the number of complementary means, m=k−p. We propose a new algorithm that tests only the m−1 pairs of adjacent ordered complementary sample means. Our algorithm may be used with analyses of variance test statistics in balanced and unbalanced designs, and with Studentized ranges except in extremely unbalanced designs. Seaman, Levin, and Serlin proposed a more powerful closure criterion that cannot exploit the Begun and Gabriel algorithm. We propose a new algorithm in this case as well.
Proximal versus distal cue utilization in preweanling spatial localization: the influence of cue number and location

The present study was designed to examine the role of cue location and number in spatial navigation of the preweanling Fischer-344N rat in the Morris water maze using a protocol consistent with the pups' response repertoire. The proximal (visible platform) versus distal (hidden platform) cue strategy was used, and spatial cues within the extramaze environment were configured such that the arrangement presented either a double cue or null cull condition relative to the platform location. All pups' performance improved with training; however, probe trial performance, defined by quadrant time and platform crossings, revealed distal-double cue pups demonstrated spatial navigational ability superior to the remaining groups. This experimental dissociation suggests that a pup's ability to spatially navigate a hidden platform is dependent on not only its response repertoire and task parameters but also its visual acuity, as determined by the number of extramaze cues and the location of these cues within the testing environment. The hidden versus visible platform dissociation may not be a satisfactory strategy for the control of potential sensorimotor deficits.
45X/46X,r(X) with syndactyly and severe mental retardation

Two white females, age 2 1/2 and 33 years, respectively, were investigated because of severe mental retardation associated with neurologic abnormalities, coarse face, and soft tissue syndactyly involving upper and lower limbs. Each had cytogenetic findings of a mosaic variant of Ullrich-Turner syndrome with X ring chromosome in peripheral lymphocyte and skin fibroblasts. Early X replication occurred in one-third of the X ring chromosomes; there was no evidence for X-autosome translocation involving either X and an autosomal duplication; results of studies for fragility of the X chromosomes were unremarkable. In situ hybridization with an X centromere probe was positive for the ring. To our knowledge, the unusual constellation of cytogenetic, physical, and mental findings seen in these 2 individuals has not been reported previously.
T4 Endonuclease V: Perspectives on Catalysis

Bacteriophage T4 displays enhanced ultraviolet light (UV) resistance over other T-even bacteriophages. This enhanced resistance was initially ascribed to the v gene, now known as denV. The product of the denV gene, endonuclease V, has been shown to be responsible for initiating the removal of pyrimidine dimers from DNA. Initial characterization of purified endonuclease V revealed that the enzyme produces single-strand breaks in DNA at the site of UV-induced pyrimidine dimers, yet shows no activity towards unirradiated or heat-denatured DNA. The enzyme seems almost completely specific for cis-syn cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, although recently it has been demonstrated to react with trans-syn dimers at approximately 1/100th the rate of the cis-syn dimer. DenV has been cloned and sequenced, allowing for expression of endonuclease V within Escherichia coli. The gene encodes a 138-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 16 kDa. Extensive biochemical and genetic studies have shown endonuclease V to possess four distinct activities: (1) a salt-dependent scanning or looping mechanism allowing for nontarget double-stranded DNA interactions; (2) a pyrimidine dimer-specific binding activity; (3) a pyrimidine dimer-specific DNA glycosylase activity; and (4) an apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) lyase activity.
Nest Sites and Conservation of Endangered Interior Least Terns Sterna antillarum athalassos on an Alkaline Flat in the South-Central Great Plains (USA)

Abstract. We monitored nest sites of endangered Interior Least Terns on a 5 095 ha alkaline flat in north-central Oklahoma, USA. After nest loss, Least Terns commonly renested and experienced 30% apparent nest success in 1995–1996 (n = 233 nests). Nest success and predation differed by location on the alkaline flat in 1995 and overall, but nest success and flooding did not differ by microhabitat type. Predation was highest at nests ≤ cm from debris (driftwood/hay) in 1995. No differences in nesting success, flooding, or predation were observed on comparing nests inside and outside electrified enclosures. Coyotes and Striped Skunks were confirmed nest predators, and Ring-billed Gulls were suspected nest predators. We identified one location on the alkaline flat of about 1 000 ha with consistently lower nest losses attributable to flooding and predation and the highest hatching success compared with other parts of the alkaline flat; it was typified by open ground and bisected by several creeks. Management a...
Kinetics of the Parallel Squat

Abstract This study investigated the muscular torques and joint forces during the parallel squat, as performed by some of the best national and world-class powerlifters. Cinematographic analysis of 12 competitors in the U.S. Senior National A.A.U. Powerlifting Championships provided continuous measurements of joint and bar centers. These data were used in dynamic equations of motion to obtain vertical and horizontal joint forces and muscular torques for the shank, thigh, and trunk. Prior to analysis, subjects were further classified into three groups according to skill shown in performing the parallel squat. Results indicated that high-skilled subjects minimized trunk torques by maintaining a more erect trunk position and also demonstrated more extensor-dominant thigh torques. It was also found that quasistatic or static treatments of the parallel squat provide results within 10% of the dynamic equations of motion.
Mechanical force modulates global gene expression and β-catenin signaling in colon cancer cells

At various stages during embryogenesis and cancer cells are exposed to tension, compression and shear stress; forces that can regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. In the present study, we show that shear stress blocks cell cycle progression in colon cancer cells and regulates the expression of genes linked to the Wnt/beta-catenin, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NFkappaB pathways. The shear stress-induced increase of the secreted Wnt inhibitor DKK1 requires p38 and activation of NFkappaB requires IkappaB kinase-beta. Activation of beta-catenin, important in Wnt signaling and the cause of most colon cancers, is inhibited by shear stress through a pathway involving laminin-5, alpha6beta4 integrin, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) and Rac1 coupled with changes in the distribution of dephosphorylated beta-catenin. These data show that colon cancer cells respond to fluid shear stress by activation of specific signal transduction pathways and genetic regulatory circuits to affect cell proliferation, and indicate that the response of colon cancers to mechanical forces such as fluid shear stress should be taken into account in the management of the disease.