cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ikaros Enforces the Costimulatory Requirement for IL2 Gene Expression and Is Required for Anergy Induction in CD4+ T Lymphocytes

T cell activation results in dynamic remodeling of the chromatin at the IL2 promoter and induction of IL2 gene transcription. These processes are each dependent upon CD28 costimulation, but the molecular basis for this requirement is not clear. The IL2 promoter contains consensus-binding elements for Ikaros, a lymphocyte-specific zinc-finger DNA-binding protein that can regulate gene expression by recruiting chromatin-remodeling complexes. We find that native Ikaros in CD4+ T cells exhibits sequence-specific binding to these elements in vitro, and interacts with the endogenous IL2 promoter in vivo, in a manner dependent upon its DNA-binding domain. This binding has important consequences on the regulation of the IL2 gene, because CD4+ T cells with reduced Ikaros DNA-binding activity no longer require signals from the TCR or CD28 for histone acetylation at the endogenous IL2 promoter, and no longer require CD28 costimulation for expression of the IL2 gene. Furthermore, CD4+ T cells with reduced Ikaros activity are resistant to clonal anergy induced by TCR ligation in the absence of either CD28 or IL-2R signals. These results establish Ikaros as a transcriptional repressor of the IL2 gene that functions through modulation of chromatin structure and has an obligate role in the induction of anergy.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A MARINE NITRIFYING BACTERIUM, NITROSOCYSTIS OCEANUS SP. N.1

A new species of an ammonia-oxidizing bacterium, Nitrosocystis oceanus, is described. This is the first nitrifying bacterium ever isolated from open ocean waters and the first species of the genus Nitrosocystis observed in over 30-years. The cells are gram negative, spherical to ellipsoidal, 1.8–2.2 µ in diameter, and occur as single cells, diploids, and occasionally as tetrads. Cells at times formed cysts and zoogloea. The most consistent and outstanding generic characteristic is the ultrastructure of the cells. Cells of this genus have a cytomembrane organelle composed of a series of flattened vesicles that transverse and bisect the cell; while cells of Nitrosomonas sp. lack this complex membranous organelle, they do have one to two concentric membranes at the periphery of the cell adjacent to the plasma membrane. Nitrosocystis oceanus is an obligate autotroph using only ammonia as an energy source and carbon dioxide as a carbon source. This bacterium grows optimally at 30C and in ammonia concentrations of 5 × 108 – 2.4 × 105 µg-at. NH3-N/liter. It is an obligate halophile, requiring natural seawater for growth, and it lyses when suspended in distilled water. Growing optimally in continuous cultures, individual cells produced 2 × 10-6 µM of NO2– per day. Nitrosocystis oceunus was cultured repeatedly from offshore waters of the western North and South Atlantic Ocean since 1959. It is estimated that the standing crop of these organisms is less than one bacterium per ml. This number of bacteria in the upper 100 m of tropical waters would produce approximately 0.07 µg-at. NO2–-N liter−1 year−1.
Frame-to-frame image motion estimation with a fuzzy logic system

Fuzzy logic systems show substantial promise for frame-to-frame motion estimation. A fuzzy logic system with simple rules is shown to provide accurate motion vector estimates with uniform and affine modeled frame-to-frame image motion of real image data. Comparisons are made with the optical flow algorithm of B. K. Horn and B. G. Schunk (1981) and the pel recursive algorithm of A. N. Netravali and J. D. Robbins (1979). These comparisons show that the fuzzy logic system presented is superior in the accuracy of its motion vector estimates. These comparisons also show that measures of picture matching such as mean squared error do not necessarily reflect the accuracy of the motion vector estimates found by an algorithm. >
A study of IAA conjugate physiology in Arabidopsis thaliana

To identify genes involved in auxin conjugate hydrolysis, we selected Arabidopsis thaliana mutants resistant to growth inhibition by IAA-phenylalanine (IAA-phe). Two IAA conjugate resistant mutants were isolated: icr1 and icr2. Neither of these strains appears to be a conjugate uptake mutant. Dose-response experiments have shown that the mutants are approximately 2- to 3-fold more resistant to IAA-phe and 3-fold more resistant to IAA-alanine than wild-type plants. Although IAA-aspartate is not a strong growth inhibitor of Arabidopsis, the mutants are {dollar}{bsol}sim{dollar}2-fold more resistant than wild-type plants at 250-1000 mM of IAA-aspartate. Conjugate hydrolysis experiments indicate that icr1 and icr2 hydrolyte at least as well as wild-types. The icr1 mutation is a homozygous, incompletely dominant trait and maps to the top of Chromosome V. The Arabidopsis strain carrying icr1 demonstrates two additional mutations: delayed germination and early flowering. Analysis of a backcross of icr1 to Ws showed that additional traits are not caused by icr2. The late germination trait demonstrates some genetic linkage to the icr1 locus. We have also used a microbial selection scheme as a separate approach to isolating the genes for conjugate hydrolysis. From an Arabidopsis cDNA library we selected a transformed yeast strain able to utilize IAA-phe as a source of phenylalanine. The 1800 bp cDNA from this transformed strain was found to be an exact match to Arabidopsis actin2. Plasmid loss was shown to be accompanied by an inability of the yeast to utilize IAA-phe. Furthermore, down-regulation of the yeast promoter driving actin expression resulted in an inability of the transformed yeast to grow on IAA-phe, indicating expression of the actin is required for growth on this conjugate. IAA-aspartate and IAA-valine also supported growth of the appropriate yeast strains transformed with Arabidopsis actin. Overexpression of yeast actin also allowed auxotrophs to survive on conjugate, indicating that the hydrolysis phenomenon is not limited to Arabidopsis actin. Conjugate hydrolysis assays using actin-transformed and-untransformed yeast demonstrated that although the IAA-bound amino acid was freed by the endogenous hydrolytic enzyme, the IAA is not released intact but is degraded in the process
Local invariants and twist vectors in computer-aided geometric design

Abstract A new method is suggested for choosing the “twist” parameters (or mixed partial derivatives), which arise when Coons patches are used for surface definition or interpolation over rectangular arrays of data points. The method is based on the observation that the component of the twist normal to the surface may be related to a geometrical invariant intrinsic to the surface, namely, the Gaussian curvature. This quantity can also be expressed independently of the twist and estimated on the basis of independent univariate data already available once the patch boundaries are specified (thus avoiding the incompatibilities inherent in bivariate discretizations). The tangential components of the twist vector may also be estimated by independent univariate means from prior data. The resulting surface has the given or estimated curvature at the data points. (Smoothness properties of certain composite surfaces are also analyzed in terms of invariants related to curvature.)
Computerized mega code recording.

A system has been developed to facilitate recording of advanced cardiac life support mega code testing senarios. By scanning a paper "keyboard" using a bar code wand attached to a portable microcomputer, the person assigned to record the scenario can easily generate an accurate, complete, timed, and typewritten record of the given situations and the obtained responses.
Dimerization of resveratrol by the grapevine pathogen Botrytis cinerea.

Resveratrol (trans-3,4‘,5-trihydroxystilbene) is produced by grapes (Vitis spp.) in response to microbial attack by the fungal grapevine pathogen Botrytis cinerea. Several reports indicate that pathogenic B. cinerea strains are capable of biotransforming resveratrol into an assortment of unidentified oxidized metabolites as a means of reducing the antifungal effects of resveratrol and facilitating Botrytis invasion into host-plant tissues. Studies utilizing growing incubations of Botrytis cinerea ATCC 11542 with resveratrol resulted in the production of three new (restrytisols A−C) (1−3) and three known (resveratrol trans-dehydrodimer, leachinol F, and pallidol) oxidized resveratrol dimers. All of the metabolites were evaluated for their anti-HIV-1, cytotoxic, and cyclooxygenase (COX) I and COX II inhibitory activities.
EPITHELIAL MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION AND HEDGEHOG SIGNALING ACTIVATION ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CHEMORESISTANCE AND INVASION OF HEPATOMA SUBPOPULATIONS

Background & Aims: Our previous studies showed that CD133, EpCAM, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) are useful markers to identify cancer stem cells (CSCs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues. The present study aims to evaluate chemosensitivity and invasion capability of HCC based on CSC marker profiles, and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Hepatoma cell lines were separated into subpopulations according to CD133, EpCAM, and ALDH expression profiles. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hedgehog (Hh) signaling were examined to identify their links with chemoresistance and aggressive invasion. Results: Well-differentiated cell lines were positive for CD133 + / ALDH high and CD133 + /EpCAM + at 1.5–15% and 2.3–8.3%; whereas, poorly-differentiated cells were almost all negative for these markers. FACS-enriched CD133 + /ALDH high and CD133 + /EpCAM +
Gastrointestinal Tract Mesenchymal Lesions

This article reviews the most common and characteristic mesenchymal lesions found in the gastrointestinal tract and intraabdominal location in a pattern-based approach: spindle and epithelioid tumors (gastrointestinal stromal tumor, schwannoma, glomus tumor, leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma, inflammatory fibroid polyp, perineurioma, melanoma, calcifying fibrous tumor, sclerosing mesenteritis, mesenteric fibromatosis, and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor), and clear and granular tumors (clear cell sarcoma, granular cell tumor, gangliocytic paraganglioma, and ganglioneuroma). Information includes gross and histologic features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, and histologic and other diagnostic techniques, including immunohistochemistry related to projected patient outcome, along with prognosis, staging, and treatment.
Vortex annihilation in the ordering kinetics of the O(2) model

The vortex-vortex and vortex-antivortex correlation functions are determined for the two-dimensional O(2) model undergoing phase ordering. We find reasonably good agreement with experimental and simulation results for the vortex-vortex correlation function where there is a short-scaled distance depletion zone due to the repulsion of like-signed vortices. The vortex-antivortex correlation function agrees well with experimental and simulation results for intermediate- and long-scaled distances. At short-scaled distances the simulations and experiments show a depletion zone not seen in the theory.
Enzymatic activity of the Src homology 2 domain-containing inositol phosphatase is regulated by a plasma membrane location.

The negative regulatory role of the Src homology 2 domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatase (SHIP) has been invoked in a variety of receptor-mediated signaling pathways. In B lymphocytes, co-clustering of antigen receptor surface immunoglobulin with FcγRIIb promotes the negative effects of SHIP, but how SHIP activity is regulated is unknown. To explore this issue, we investigated the effect of SHIP phosphorylation, receptor tyrosine engagement by its Src homology 2 domain, and membrane recruitment of SHIP on its enzymatic activity. We examined two SHIP phosphorylation kinase candidates, Lyn and Syk, and observed that the Src protein-tyrosine kinase, Lyn is far superior to Syk in its ability to phosphorylate SHIP both in vitro and in vivo. However, we found a minimal effect of phosphorylation or receptor tyrosine engagement of SHIP on its enzymatic activity, whereas membrane localization of SHIP significantly reduced cellular phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate levels. Based on our results, we propose that a membrane localization of SHIP is the crucial event in the induction of its phosphatase effects.
n-Hexane conversion catalyzed by sulfated zirconia and by iron- and manganese-promoted sulfated zirconia : Catalytic activities and reaction network

The conversion of n-hexane catalyzed by unpromoted sulfated zirconia and Fe- and Mn-promoted sulfated zirconia was investigated with a flow reactor at atmospheric pressure, temperatures of 0-25°C, and an n-hexane partial pressure of 0.001 atm. The n-hexane conversion initially increased as a function of time on stream, followed by a rapid decline. The major primary reaction was isomerization, giving monobranched isomers (predominantly 2-methylpentane). The secondary isomerization reactions gave dibranched products (predominantly 2,3-dimethylbutane). Disproportionation reactions were apparently secondary, giving isobutane, isopentane, heptanes, and octanes from the isomerization products. Small amounts of cracking products (methane, ethane, and propane) were also observed at the shortest times on stream, before the catalyst deactivated significantly. On the basis of the different induction times observed for the various reaction products, it is inferred that the disproportionation is bimolecular and the isomerization (predominantly) monomolecular.
Identification and characterization of CHCHD1, AURKAIP1 and CRIF1 as new members of the mammalian mitochondrial ribosome

Defects in mitochondrial ribosomal proteins (MRPs) cause various diseases in humans. Because of the essential role of MRPs in synthesizing the essential subunits of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes, identifying all of the protein components involved in the mitochondrial translational machinery is critical. Initially, we identified 79 MRPs; however, identifying MRPs with no clear homologs in bacteria and yeast mitochondria was challenging, due to limited availability of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in the databases available at that time. With the improvement in genome sequencing and increased sensitivity of mass spectrometry (MS)-based technologies, we have established that four previously known proteins as MRPs and have confirmed the identification of ICT1 (MRP58) as a ribosomal protein. The newly identified MRPs are MRPS37 (Coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing protein 1-CHCHD1), MRPS38 (Aurora kinase A interacting protein1, AURKAIP1), MRPS39 (Pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein 3, PTCD3), in the small subunit and MRPL59 (CR-6 interacting factor 1, CRIF1) in the large subunit. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the essential roles of CHCHD1, AURKAIP1, and CRIF1in mitochondrial protein synthesis by siRNA knock-down studies, which had significant effects on the expression of mitochondrially encoded proteins.
The Behavior of the Optical and X-Ray Emission from Scorpius X-1

In 1970, Hiltner & Mook reported the results of the first multiyear study of the optical emission from Sco X-1. They found that the Sco X-1 B-magnitude histograms changed from year to year. Subsequent multiwavelength campaigns confirmed the variable nature of these optical histograms and also found that the X-ray and optical emissions were only correlated when Sco X-1 was brighter than about B = 12.6. Models had suggested that the optical emission from this source arose from X-rays reprocessed in an accretion disk surrounding the central neutron star. It was therefore difficult to explain why the optical and X-ray fluxes were not more closely correlated. In 1994 and 1995, two new simultaneous optical and X-ray campaigns on Sco X-1 were conducted with the Burst and Transient Source Experiment on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory and the 1 m Yale telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory. Using these data and models by Psaltis, Lamb, & Miller, it is now possible to provide a qualitative picture of how the X-ray and optical emissions from Sco X-1 are related. Differences in the B-magnitude histograms are caused by variations in the mass accretion rate and the relatively short time period typically covered by optical investigations. The tilted-Γ pattern seen in plots of the simultaneous X-ray and optical emission from Sco X-1 arises from (1) the nearly linear relation between the optical B magnitude and the mass accretion rate in the range 13.3 ≥ B ≥ 12.3 and an asymptotic behavior in the B magnitude outside this range, and (2) a double-valued relation between the X-ray emission and mass accretion rate along the normal branch and lower flaring branch of this source.
Elastic wave velocities of pyrope–majorite garnets (Py62Mj38 and Py50Mj50) to 9 GPa

Abstract Polycrystalline specimens of two pyrope–majorite garnets 2 (Py 62 Mj 38 and Py 62 Mj 38 ) were synthesized in a 2000-ton uniaxial split-sphere apparatus (USSA-2000) at pressures of 16 GPa and temperatures of 1670 K for run durations of about 2 h using homogeneous glasses as starting materials. Ultrasonic interferometric measurements on these specimens were conducted at pressures up to 9 GPa at room temperature using a 1000-ton uniaxial split-cylinder apparatus (USCA-1000) with Bi as an internal pressure marker. From the measurements of the travel times for compressional (P) and shear (S) waves, the velocities and elastic moduli are calculated using length/density changes determined from the travel-time data. Third-order Eulerian finite strain analysis of these data yield the longitudinal ( L ) and shear ( G ) moduli and their pressure derivatives [ M 0 ′=(∂ M /∂ P ) T ]: for Py 62 Mj 38 , L 0 =291±6 GPa and L 0 ′=9.1±0.6, G 0 =90±1 GPa and G 0 ′=1.9±0.2, from which we calculate the values for the adiabatic bulk modulus ( K = L −4/3 G ) to be K 0 =171±5 GPa and K 0 ′=6.2±0.5. These new data for the shear modulus and its pressure derivative are in agreement with the previous values for the same composition (Rigden, S.M., Gwanmesia, G.D., Liebermann, R.C., 1994. Elastic wave velocities of a pyrope–majorite garnet to 3 GPa. Phys. Earth Planet. Inter. 86, 35–44.), but the P wave velocity, the bulk modulus and its pressure derivative are somewhat higher. For the Py 50 Mj 50 composition, these values are L 0 =289±6 GPa, L 0 ′=9.2±0.7, G 0 =89±1 GPa, G 0 ′=2.1±0.2, K 0 =170±5 GPa, and K 0 ′=6.4±0.5. The high-pressure derivatives of K and G for these Py–Mj garnets may be important in explaining the high velocity gradients observed in seismic models of the transition zone of the Earth's mantle.
335 TOBRAMYCIN VERSUS GENTAMICIN FOR THE NEONATE

Tobramycin produces less serum creatinine increase than gentamicin in adults, suggesting that tobramycin may be less nephrotoxic and safer than gentamicin. The frequent use of aminoglycosides in the neonate led us to compare these agents to determine if tobramycin offers an advantage in safety for the neonate. This randomized, double-blind comparison included infants ≤ 3d age without known renal disease treated a mean of 7.5d with gentamicin (20) or 8d with tobramycin (30). Infants received 2.5mg/kg/12h aminoglycoside. The groups were comparable for gestational age, underlying diseases, apgar score, and clinical condition. After at least one day of therapy the peak serum level was 5.4μg/ml tobramycin and 5.9μg/ml gentamicin and the trough level was 1.8μg/ml tobramycin and 2.3μg/ml gentamicin. There was no significant difference between, tobramycin and gentamicin in the frequency of proteinuria, glucosuria, hematuria, casts or serum creatinine increase of over .4mg% during therapy. Definite nephrotoxicity occurred in 10% of each group. The tobramycin group showed lower average serum creatinine by .3mg% and higher creatinine clearance by 7ml/min/1.73m2 both during and after therapy. After therapy, urine N-acetyl-β glucosaminidase was .09±.02 IU/mg creatinine for tobramycin and .24±.09 IU/mg creatinine for gentamicin. Although tobramycin use resulted in a small improvement in creatinine clearance and less enzymuria, the clinical significance of these observations appears minimal.
TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR-α-DEPENDENT REGULATION OF PROSTAGLANDIN ENDOPEROXIDE SYNTHASE-2

Abstract Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α)-mediated regulation of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 (PGHS-2) mRNA levels was examined in murine fibrosarcoma MCA-101 cells. We demonstrated that the formation of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) is highly dependent on the expression of PGHS-2 enzyme in these cells. TNF-α-induced PGE 2 production was evident after 12 h and was associated with a significant TNF-α-mediated increase in PGHS-2 immunoreactive protein. A specific PGHS-2 inhibitor, NS-398, completely abolished the TNF-α-mediated increase in PGE 2 production, suggesting that the PGE 2 formed in response to TNF-α was derived from PGHS-2. TNF-α-mediated PGHS-2 mRNA accumulation was observed at 1 h, remained elevated foo 24 h, and was blocked by actinomycin D, indicating that TNF-α increases PGHS-2 gene transcription. A significant post-transcriptional mechanism also contributed to the increased PGHS-2 mRNA accumulation as the mRNA half-life was approximately 4–5 h in TNF-α-stimulated cells. Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) and protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) inhibited the TNF-α-mediated increase in PGHS-2 mRNA levels. We suggest that PTPs and PTKs play a role in the transcriptional and/or post-transcriptional mechanisms that contribute to the regulation of the PGHS-2 gene by TNF-α.
Methods for probing water at the nanoscale

A review of selected experimental and modeling techniques that have been applied to study water structure and dynamics will be presented. Many of these techniques provide atomic and molecular level detail about water and are thus relevant to nanofluidics. Given the wealth of simulations and recent experimental reports on water confinement in carbon nanotubes, many of the examples provided will focus on this unique system. Finally, some perspectives on the picture of water that has emerged from these various studies will be offered.
NOx uptake on alkaline earth oxides (BaO, MgO, CaO and SrO) supported on γ-Al2O3

Abstract NO x uptake experiments were performed on a series of alkaline earth oxide (AEO) (MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO) on γ-alumina materials. Temperature programmed desorption (TPD) conducted in He flow revealed the presence of two kinds of nitrate species: i.e. bulk and surface nitrates. The ratio of these two types of nitrate species strongly depends on the nature of the alkaline earth oxide. The amount of bulk nitrate species increases with the basicity of the alkaline earth oxide. This conclusion was supported by the results of infrared and 15 N solid-state NMR studies of NO 2 adsorption. Due to the low melting point of the precursor used for the preparation of MgO/γ-Al 2 O 3 material (Mg(NO 3 ) 2 ), a significant amount of Mg was lost during sample activation (high temperature annealing) resulting in a material with properties very similar to that of the γ-Al 2 O 3 support. The effect of water on the NO x species formed in the exposure of the AEO-s to NO 2 was also investigated. In agreement with our previous findings for the BaO/γ-Al 2 O 3 system, an increase of the bulk nitrate species and the simultaneous decrease of the surface nitrate phase were observed for all of these materials.
The ethical dimensions of quality and productivity improvement

(1994). The ethical dimensions of quality and productivity improvement. Forum for Social Economics: Vol. 23, No. 2, pp. 29-47.
Earthworms increase the ratio of bacteria to fungi in northern hardwood forest soils, primarily by eliminating the organic horizon

Abstract The exotic earthworm invasion in hardwood forests of the northern United States is associated with many ecosystem-level changes. However, less is known about the effects of the invasion on the composition of the soil microbial community through which ecosystem-level changes are mediated. Further, earthworm effects on soil microbial community composition have not been well studied in the field. To evaluate changes in bacterial and fungal abundance associated with the earthworm invasion we quantified bacterial and fungal biomass by microscopic counts in paired earthworm-invaded (earthworm) and earthworm-free (reference) plots in five forest stands in central New York (USA). Earthworms significantly increased the ratio of bacteria to fungi on an area basis (per m 2 ), by more than two times in mid-summer and early autumn. While this effect was associated primarily with the lack of the fungal-dominated organic horizon in earthworm plots, a higher ratio of bacteria to fungi in the surface 5 cm mineral soil also contributed as it developed between spring and mid-summer. Earthworm reduction of fungal biomass was confirmed by substantially lower growth of fungal hyphae into mesh sand bags in earthworm compared to reference plots. Burrowing activity by the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris increased the ratio of bacteria to fungi over the short-term within earthworm plots, introducing small-scale spatial heterogeneity associated with burrows. Our study suggests that the exotic earthworm invasion in these northern hardwood forests markedly increased the ratio of bacteria to fungi by eliminating the fungal-rich organic horizon, and was associated localized increases in bacterial vs. fungal abundance in mineral soil, setting the stage for future research into linkages between the earthworm invasion, bacterial and fungal abundance, and ecosystem processes.
Comparison of match functions applied to records with trains of action potentials

Any attempt to construct a realistic computational model of a neuron has to face the difficult problem of assigning values to a large number of parameters. The parameter value ranges obtained experimentally are often insufficient to constrain the behavior of a model; parameter values are frequently encountered that are within experimental estimates but result in vastly dissimilar outputs. Finding parameter values to make the model match complete experimental waveforms may address the failure of direct parameter estimates to sufficiently constrain parameter values. Automated optimization techniques can be used with this approach provided appropriate target match functions are available. However, a sum of squared differences comparison between traces with trains of action potentials suffers from their narrow shape and subtle variation in peak times. To address this issue we developed a novel match function that uses the time-points of action potentials as fiducial points. We tested its performance using a set of patch-clamp 500 ms depolarizing (+800 pA) current pulse recordings from hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells, using a criteria based on the notion that traces from the same cell should be closer to each other than to those from other cells. We found that fiducial-point matching realized our criteria and also outperformed other published methods, such as those based on spike times and on voltage-gradient phase planes. Thus, based on fiducial-point scores, CA1 pyramidal cell responses from one cell can be systematically differentiated from those of other cells.
Differential expression of a chlorophyll a/b binding protein gene and a proline rich protein gene in juvenile and mature phase English ivy (Hedera helix)

Two cDNA clones representing mRNAs which are differentially expressed during in vitro culture of juvenile and mature leaf petioles of English ivy (Hedera helix L.) were isolated by differential screening. The mRNA represented by clone HW101 is expressed at a higher level in untreated juvenile than in untreated mature in-vitro-cultured petioles. Treatment of petioles with α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at the initiation of culture decreases HW101 mRNA levels in juvenile but not mature, petioles. In intact plants. HW101 mRNA is expressed at a higher level in juvenile laminae, petioles and stems than in identical tissues of mature plants. DNA sequence analysis indicates that HW1O1 cDNA is significantly similar to a light harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding protein gene (Lhcb) of pea. The gene represented by the second clone. HW103, is expressed at a higher level in mature than in juvenile in-vitro-cultured petisoles. Treatment of petioles with NAA at the initiation of culture decreases HW103 mRNA levels in chronologically young mature but not older mature and juvenile petioles. However, expression of the HW103 gene is not detectable in petioles, or in any other vegetative organ tested, immediately after excision. It is, however, expressed in developing seeds. In otherwise intact plants, the HW103 gene is expressed in wounded petioles of mature plants 5 days after wounding but not in wounded petioles of juvenile plants. It is also expressed at a higher level in wounded stems of mature plants than in those of juvenile plants. However, it is not expressed in wounded lamina of either juvenile or mature plants. DNA sequence analysis indicates that HW103 cDNA is similar to a cell wall proline rich protein (PRP) gene of soybean. This is the first report of differential expression of a PRP gene in tissues from juvenile and mature plants. Southern blot analysis of nuclear DNA of H. helix shows that both HW101 and HW103 are members of small gene families.
The Impact of Perceived Service Quality on MBA Student Satisfaction and Recommendations: Do Expectations Matter?

Delivering a high level of service quality is critically important as a means of generating and maintaining loyal customers. That is, exceptional levels of service quality lead to satisfied customers that may recommend the product or service to their friends. However, there is no consensus on the moderating impact that consumer expectations may exhibit on this relationship. Rather, there are two theoretical and empirically supported streams of research. Parasuraman et al. (1988, 1994) find that consumer expectations are important, while Cronin and Taylor (1992, 1994) come to the opposite conclusion. This research attempts to partially resolve this discrepancy by testing the impact of student's expectations on the focal relationship between service quality and recommendations, in the context of an MBA program.
PRODUCTION OF LYMPHOBLASTOID CELLS FROM RAT AND HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES BY RABBIT SERUM AND BY PHYTOHEMAGGLUTININ.

Inactivated sera of rabbits caused both mitotic division and the transformation of rat and of human lymphocytes into lymphoblastoid cells. Rat lymphocytes were also transformed by phytohemagglutinin. Rat lymphocytes survived longer in rabbit sera than in rat sera.
Pioneering studies on the mechanisms of neuronal morphogenesis.

Axon outgrowth and pathfinding occurs through a complex series of interacting biochemical signaling pathways that regulate the motility of neuronal growth cones. Over the past 30 years, Paul Letourneau and his students have explored the molecular basis of growth cone motility and have contributed immensely to this field. In celebration of his 65th birthday, this essay is written in gratitude for Paul's many contributions and training. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Develop Neurobiol, 2011
Hydroxide ions at the water/anatase TiO2(101) interface: structure and electronic states from first principles molecular dynamics.

Hydroxide (OH−) ions at or near the interface between water and titanium dioxide (TiO2) have an important role in many surface photocatalytic reactions, possibly including the photo-oxidation of water. Using first principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) simulations on the time scale of 30−40 ps, we have investigated the structure and electronic properties of a solvated or adsorbed OH− at the interface between liquid water and a stoichiometric anatase TiO2(101) slab. We observed that a solvated hydroxide ion diffuses spontaneously from bulk water toward the anatase surface, a result consistent with the known point of zero charge for TiO2 in water. The O atom of the adsorbed OH− forms two H-bonds with nearby water molecules, whereas three to four bonds are typically found for OH− solvated in bulk water. Analysis of the interface electronic structure along the FPMD trajectories shows significant differences in the densities of states of different atomic configurations, indicating that thermal fluctuations have ...
Regulation of the Lateral Association of Phospholipase Cβ2 and G Protein Subunits by Lipid Rafts

One function of membrane domains of liquid-ordered lipids or “rafts” may be to stabilize complexes of signaling proteins, thereby playing a role in the transduction of cellular signals. Here, we have used fluorescence methods to directly test this idea by assessing the ability of phospholipase Cβ2 (PLCβ2) to associate with G protein subunits on model membranes in the fluid phase and on membranes that contain domains of lipids in the liquid-ordered phase (rafts). We find that the apparent dissociation constant for the equilibrium between PLCβ2 and Gαq(GTPγS) was identical on both types of membrane surfaces. However, the degree of association between PLCβ2 and Gβγ subunits was significantly reduced on the surfaces containing rafts. Time studies indicate that this phenomenon is a dynamic process. Incorporating the lipid substrate of PLCβ2 into membranes that forms rafts, we find that its basal activity is unaffected. However, its activation by Gβγ subunits is inhibited, supporting a reduced degree of interac...
Selective effects of apomorphine on dorsal raphe neurons: a cytofluorimetric study.

Abstract Using a quantitative cytofluorimetric method to detect changes in the intracellular levels of serotonin (5-HT) in individual neurons in rat brain, we have found that the dopaminergic agonist apomorphine increases 5-HT content of dorsal raphe cell bodies without affecting cells in the median raphe nucleus. Liquid Chromatographic studies revealed that apomorphine also elevated the concentrations of both 5-HT and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in striatum, the projection site for dorsal raphe neurons. Conversely, the dopaminergic antagonist haloperidol, at a dose of 0.8 mg/kg, decreased 5-HT levels in dorsal raphe cells. A lower dose of haloperidol (0.4 mg/kg), which had no significant effect alone, completely blocked the effect of apomorphine in the dorsal raphe. These results support the hypothesis that the effects of apomorphine on serotonergic neurons are secondary to dopamine receptor stimulation.
Constant-velocity contractions in skeletal muscle by sequential stimulation of muscle efferents.

Experiments are described that quantify the relationship between the contraction velocity, the recruitment of motor units and the electrical activity in the medial gastrocnemius muscle of the cat. The results of these experiments showed that, with differing degrees of activation, the force/velocity relationship closely followed that described by Hill. The electrical activity in the muscle was directly related to recruitment and was also linearly related to the load at any constant velocity of contraction. With progressively higher velocities of contraction, however, for any given load, the electrical activity was also increased. From the above database a computer program and the associated hardware were developed to stimulate muscle and cause it to maintain constant velocity contractions irrespective of the load imposed on the muscle. The applications of this type of stimulation to the restoration of mobility to the paralysed are discussed.
Endovascular management of thrombosed axillary artery to right atrium hemodialysis graft

Abstract Purpose To describe the salvage of a left axillary artery to right atrium hemodialysis graft using endovascular techniques. Case report A 54-year-old man with multiple arteriovenous graft failures presented with a thrombosed left axillary artery to right atrium Gore-tex hemodialysis graft. The graft was salvaged using rheolytic catheter thrombectomy, mechanical thrombectomy, balloon angioplasty, and stenting. Conclusions This single case report suggests that when axillary to right atrium grafts fail, various endovascular techniques can be employed to salvage the graft and maintain dialysis access.
Stimulus and transducer effects on threshold

AbstractObjective: This study examined differences in thresholds obtained under Sennheiser HDA200 circumaural earphones using pure tone, equivalent rectangular noise bands, and 1/3 octave noise bands relative to thresholds obtained using Telephonics TDH-39P supra-aural earphones. Design: Thresholds were obtained via each transducer and stimulus condition six times within a 10-day period. Study sample: Forty-nine adults were selected from a prior study to represent low, moderate, and high threshold reliability. Results: The results suggested that (1) only small adjustments were needed to reach equivalent TDH-39P thresholds, (2) pure-tone thresholds obtained with HDA200 circumaural earphones had reliability equal to or better than those obtained using TDH-39P earphones, (3) the reliability of noise-band thresholds improved with broader stimulus bandwidth and was either equal to or better than pure-tone thresholds, and (4) frequency-specificity declined with stimulus bandwidths greater than one equivalent re...
The behaviour of open and closed section carbon fibre composite beams subjected to constrained torsion

Abstract A simple engineering theoretical approach is presented in this paper which is able to predict the initial constrained torsional response of a specific class of thin-walled open-section and single-cell closed-section carbon fibre composite beams. The flat walls of the composite beams are symmetrically laminated about their own mid-planes and possess membrane orthotropy. The laminated flats are assembled in such a way that the stiffness distribution round the section is of a symmetrically disposed nature and thus the flanges of a composite box-section, for example, can have a different lay-up configuration to that of the section webs. Beams of this type are essentially uncoupled in their overall stiffnesses and thus it is possible to apply axial load or bending to the sections without inducing torsional behaviour. The analysis procedures for such beams will, of course, be considerably less complex in nature than those associated with beams of a more general lay-up configuration. Indeed, the analysis approach adopted in this paper simply makes use of the existing theories of torsion appropriate to isotropic construction and these are then suitably modified to account for the non-isotropic nature of the composite material. The torsional and warping rigidities for use in the analysis of the composite beams are thus duly determined through the use of the appropriate equivalent engineering elastic constants of the individual thin composite walls and the concept of effective thickness is employed to account for the different stiffnesses in the walls. In the paper some detailed attention is paid to the effects of primary and secondary warping restraint on the torsional response of open section beams and the distinct differences between sections whose behaviour is governed predominantly by primary effects and those whose response is associated solely with secondary effects are discussed. The stress systems set up in open-section and single-cell closed-section carbon fibre composite beams when subjected to torsion with variable twist are examined in the paper and in particular it is shown that although the shear flow due to primary warping restraint in open-section beams serves in part to equilibrate the applied torque, that in closed box section beams is completely self equilibrating. Comparisons are given in the paper between theory and experiment and between theory and finite element solutions and these are shown to give good agreement for the Z, angle and box section beams considered.
Mobilizing International Norms: Domestic Actors, Immigrants, and the Japanese State

In recent years immigrant rights have increasingly been examined in an international context. An important theme in these discussions has been the question of whether, and if so how, states are constrained in developing immigrant and immigration policies. Some scholars argue that states are constrained by international human rights standards, while others, skeptical of this position, focus on a wide range of arguments at the domestic level of analysis. The skeptics are right that those asserting the impact of international human rights standards on immigrant policy have not demonstrated their importance domestically. International norms and standards do not diffuse automatically or consistently across states, and there has been too little detailed process tracing to illustrate the mechanisms of norm diffusion and therefore to move beyond correlation. To do so requires attention to the domestic actors who mobilize international norms and to the specific domestic circumstances in which they operate. This article examines a hard case by studying the impact of international human rights standards on policies toward Koreans and more recent migrant workers in Japan. In this case international norms matter. But they do not matter in a mysterious or automatic way. Domestic actors use international norms in context-specific environments to back up and make arguments for which they have few domestic resources. This is not a story of international versus domestic politics, nor is it a story about a paralyzed state. State actors are actively involved in the process of integrating international standards domestically, and the author examines how those standards work their way into the political process.
The cost of a generated parser

The ‘fact’ that compilers employing generated parsers suffer significant performance degradation dis-a-vis recursive descent compilers is entrenched in the folklore of computing. We give detailed measurements that support this belief when the entire compiler is written in Pascal. We then define a general interface for a parsing module that hides significantly more information than usual, simplifying the process of generation and integration. This interface makes an assembly-coded parse table interpreter feasible without changing the language used for the remainder of the compiler. When the parse table interpreter is written in assembly language, the costs of the generated parser are essentially the same as those for recursive descent. (A minor space/time trade-off is possible, with the recursive descent implementation being slightly bigger and slightly faster.)
Oxidation of Akt2 kinase promotes cell migration and regulates G1-S transition in the cell cycle

Phosphorylation has long been recognized as the key mediator of protein signaling. New modes of signaling regulation are emerging with the development of specific chemical probes and application of high-throughput mass spectrometry technologies. Using biotin-tagged chemical probes for protein oxidation, mass spectrometry and functional assays, our group has recently reported isoform-specific oxidation of Akt2 in response to PDGF signaling. The studies included here investigate the functional consequence of oxidation on Akt2-mediated cell migration and cell cycle. Akt2-KO MEFs transduced with WT and Cys124Ser Akt2 were used as the model system for these studies. The implications of these findings on disease pathology are discussed.
Genome-wide sequence variation among Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis isolates: a better understanding of Johne's disease transmission dynamics

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (M. ap), the causative agent of Johne’s disease (JD), infects many farmed ruminants, wildlife animals and humans. To better understand the molecular pathogenesis of these infections, we analyzed the whole genome sequences of several M. ap and M. avium subspecies avium (M. avium) strains isolated from various hosts and environments. Using Next-generation sequencing technology, all 6 M. ap isolates showed a high percentage of homology (98%) to the reference genome sequence of M. ap K-10 isolated from cattle. However, 2 M. avium isolates (DT 78 and Env 77) showed significant sequence diversity from the reference strain M. avium 104. The genomes of M. avium isolates DT 78 and Env 77 exhibited only 87% and 40% homology, respectively, to the M. avium 104 reference genome. Within the M. ap isolates, genomic rearrangements (insertions/deletions, Indels) were not detected, and only unique single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were observed among the 6 M. ap strains. While most of the SNPs (~100) in M. ap genomes were non-synonymous, a total of ~ 6000 SNPs were detected among M. avium genomes, most of them were synonymous suggesting a differential selective pressure between M. ap and M. avium isolates. In addition, SNPs-based phylo-genomic analysis showed that isolates from goat and Oryx are closely related to the cattle (K-10) strain while the human isolate (M. ap 4B) is closely related to the environmental strains, indicating environmental source to human infections. Overall, SNPs were the most common variations among M. ap isolates while SNPs in addition to Indels were prevalent among M. avium isolates. Genomic variations will be useful in designing host-specific markers for the analysis of mycobacterial evolution and for developing novel diagnostics directed against Johne’s disease in animals.
Methyl palmoxirate increases eating behavior and brain Fos-like immunoreactivity in rats.

Administration of methyl palmoxirate (MP), an inhibitor of fatty acid oxidation, stimulates eating behavior in rats. Fos immunohistochemistry was used to determine neural pathways that may play a role in the eating response to MP. The number of cells showing Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-li) was quantified by computerized image analysis. MP treatment, at a dose that increased food intake (10 mg/kg, p.o.), induced Fos expression in the nucleus of the solitary tract, area postrema, lateral parabrachial nucleus, central lateral nucleus of the amygdala, dorsal lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. The results suggest that MP activates an afferent pathway projecting from the hindbrain to the forebrain, which may be involved in the eating response after MP treatment.
Life history characteristics of Orius insidiosus (Say) fed diets of soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura and soybean thrips, Neohydatothrips variabilis (Beach)

Abstract Field studies in soybeans have demonstrated that the endemic predator, Orius insidiosus (Say), is an important natural enemy of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura. Soybean thrips, Neohydatothrips variabilis (Beach), serve as an important prey resource for O. insidiosus in soybeans and may be important in sustaining O. insidiosus populations before the arrival of soybean aphid. Because soybean aphid is new to the US soybean system, the effects of a mixed diet of soybean aphid and soybean thrips on O. insidiosus life history is not known. We measured the survival, development, and reproduction of O. insidiosus when fed soybean thrips, and a mixed prey diet of soybean aphids and soybean thrips, and compared these results to a previous study of O. insidiosus life history fed soybean aphid alone. Nymphal development to adulthood (15.9 days) and fecundity (68.8 eggs per female) was improved for O. insidiosus fed ad libitum soybean thrips daily compared to O. insidiosus fed ad libitum soybean aphids daily. The contribution of alternative prey to O. insidiosus life history characteristics can be complex depending on the amount and quality of a particular prey item. At low levels of prey, the addition of prey appears to enhance O. insidiosus survival, development, and fecundity. However, as predators are fed more often, the predator’s response depends on the type of prey that predominates in the mixed prey diet. We discuss soybean thrips impact on O. insidiosus population ecology and soybean aphid dynamics.