cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
431 MOLECULAR CLONING OF DNA COMPLEMENTARY TO BOVINE PROLACTIN MESSENGER RNA

Prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH) and chorionic sommatammotropin form a family of protein hormones derived from a common evolutionary ancestor. To facilitate study of the structure,regulation, and evolution of this set of related genes, we have previously cloned complementary DNA (cDNA) for bovine GH (J. Biol. Chem. 255:7521). We now report the cloning of cDNA to bovine PRL. A previously cloned bPRL cDNA fragment (Endocrinology 107:851) was labeled with 32P by nick-translation and used to identify clones containing bPRL sequences. All clones were originally derived from bovine pituitary cDNA cloned in the PstI site of pBR322 by the dC.dG tailing technique. One of these clones contained cDNA corresponding to all 199 AA's of bPRL, plus 10 AA's from the pre-sequence and 75 Bases from the 3′untranslated region. The sequence of the entire 702 nucleotides was determined and compared to the sequence of rat and human PRL cDNA's. The bPRL cDNA sequence permitted identification of 10 AA's in the pre-sequence and of 16 AA's where glutamic and aspartic acids had not been differentiated from their amides by AA sequencing. The homology between bPRL and rat PRL is 60.5% for the AA sequence and 70.8% for the nucleotide sequence. The corresponding values for a comparison of bPRL and human PRL are 74.0 and 79.7%, respectively. 59.5% of bPRL codons end in G or C, whereas this value is 81.7% for bGH. Such codon choice appears to be a characteristic difference between GH and PRL genes.
Building Blocks of the Nexin-Dynein Regulatory Complex in Chlamydomonas Flagella

The directional flow generated by motile cilia and flagella is critical for many processes, including human development and organ function. Normal beating requires the control and coordination of thousands of dynein motors, and the nexin-dynein regulatory complex (N-DRC) has been identified as an important regulatory node for orchestrating dynein activity. The nexin link appears to be critical for the transformation of dynein-driven, linear microtubule sliding to flagellar bending, yet the molecular composition and mechanism of the N-DRC remain largely unknown. Here, we used proteomics with special attention to protein phosphorylation to analyze the composition of the N-DRC and to determine which subunits may be important for signal transduction. Two-dimensional electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry of WT and mutant flagellar axonemes from Chlamydomonas identified 12 N-DRC-associated proteins, including all seven previously observed N-DRC components. Sequence and PCR analyses identified the mutation responsible for the phenotype of the sup-pf-4 strain, and biochemical comparison with a radial spoke mutant revealed two components that may link the N-DRC and the radial spokes. Phosphoproteomics revealed eight proteins with phosphorylated isoforms for which the isoform patterns changed with the genotype as well as two components that may play pivotal roles in N-DRC function through their phosphorylation status. These data were assembled into a model of the N-DRC that explains aspects of its regulatory function.
Nearest-Grid-Point Interpolation in Gyrokinetic Particle-in-Cell Simulation

Linear interpolation or other higher order interpolation schemes are almost always used in particle-in-cell simulation because of their lower noise characteristics and accuracy relative to the nearest-grid-point method. The higher order interpolation schemes are chosen because of their optimal performance, balancing a smaller number of particles against more computer operations per particle per time step. However, this is not the case in large-scale gyrokinetic particle simulations, where sometimes nearest-grid-point interpolation is used with results virtually identical to those of linear interpolation using the same number of particles. Here, a comparison and analysis of nearest-grid-point and linear interpolation schemes is given showing why nearest-grid-point interpolation can be optimal. A simple two-dimensional slab model of the ion-temperature-gradient instability and associated generation of zonal flows is used to compare the interpolation schemes. Significant improvements in performance are possible by using nearest-grid-point interpolation because of the large number of gathers/scatters associated with gyroaveraging.
Pacemaker Therapy in Patients with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy

A 58-year-old female presented with exertional dyspnea and chest discomfort. Echocardiography showed concentric left ventricular hypertrophy with a gradient across the left ventricular outflow tract consistent with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Her symptoms progressed despite the use of verapamil.
Microtiter plate immunoassay for the evaluation of platelet adhesion to fibronectin.

Abstract Investigations of platelet adhesion to adhesive proteins have been pursued to understand the basic mechanisms of hemostasis and thrombosis. Most assays used to determine platelet adhesion under stasis conditions rely on radiolabeled platelets. We describe a new microtiter immunoassay to study platelet adhesion to adhesive proteins under statis conditions. Direct comparison of platelet adhesion to fibronectin using a standard platelet adhesion assay based on 51Cr-labeled platelets and the new immunoassay showed that the optical density values obtained with the immunoassay are directly proportional to the number of platelets bound. The choice of platelet suspension buffer appears crucial for the design of such experiments, because the adhesion of resting platelets to fibronectin was significantly higher when platelets were suspended in Tyrode's buffer rather than Tris buffer. Platelet adhesion to fibronectin is increased in response to thrombin stimulation. This increase can be inhibited by synthetic RGD peptides. The thrombin-induced increase of platelet adhesion to fibronectin could be detected with antibodies against actin and glycoprotein IIb-IIIa, but not against the α-granule constituent platelet factor 4 (PF4). This assay is very versatile, because it avoids the use of radioactivity, and allows the parallel processing of a large number of samples. In addition, the parallel use of antibodies against different platelet antigens allows the screening for platelet activation events associated with the measured platelet adhesion.
The effects of deep hypothermia on myocardial function and general metabolism.

Summary When circulation was maintained by a mechanical pump, the intact heart performing minimum external work exhibited a marked decrease in energy utilization per minute when temperatures were lowered to 10 to 15° C. This decrease occurred despite an increase in isometric systolic tension and apparently was due largely to bradycardia. On the other hand, this measure of energy utilization, based on coronary flow and A-V oxygen differences, was increased for each contraction and was accompanied by an increased efficiency of oxygen utilization. Plasma and renal electrolyte changes indicated an uncompensated metabolic acidosis occurring with the increased metabolic activity during rewarming. The acidosis was of such degree that it may be considered as significantly contributing to myocardial depression and refractoriness following hypothermia.
Immigration and Politics in the New Europe: Reinventing Borders

Immigration and Politics in the New Europe: Reinventing Borders. By Gallya Lahav. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2004. 334p. 27.99 paper.In this book, Gallya Lahav offers a nuanced account of the nascent and dynamic Europeanization of migration policy. Moving beyond scholarship that narrowly casts migration as a contest between supranational and domestic constraints, Lahav depicts the prospects for collective European migration policymaking as a product of “emergent consensual attitudes on restrictive policies, among elites and mass publics alike” (p. 9). By “bringing attitudes back in,” her treatment offers a welcome complement to intergovernmentalist and neofunctionalist accounts of migration policy and reminds readers that as policymakers grapple with the domestic and international challenges of contemporary immigration, cooperation may be of a negative or restrictive sort.
Short communication: An improved discriminative common vectors and support vector machine based face recognition approach

An improved discriminative common vectors and support vector machine based face recognition approach is proposed in this paper. The discriminative common vectors (DCV) algorithm is a recently addressed discriminant method, which shows better face recognition effects than some commonly used linear discriminant algorithms. The DCV is based on a variation of Fisher's Linear Discriminant Analysis for the small sample size case. However, for multiclass problem, the Fisher criterion is clearly suboptimal. We design an improved discriminative common vector by adjustment for the Fisher criterion that can estimate the within-class and between-class scatter matrices more accurately for classification purposes. Then we employ support vector machine as the classifier due to its higher classification and higher generalization. Testing on two public large face database: ORL and AR database, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is an effective face recognition approach, which outperforms several representative recognition methods.
Abstract A97: Obesity in relation to serum folates, plasma B12 and homocysteine in premenopausal African American women

A97 Background Lower folate status is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Since pre-menopausal African American women have high rates of obesity, breast and colorectal cancers, understanding the link between obesity and folate metabolic status offers a mechanistic insight into the obesity-cancer connection. Objective We assessed the associations between serum total folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5MeTHF), pteroylmonoglutamic acid (PGA), 5-formyltetrahydrofolic acid (5FoTHF), tetrahydrofolic acid (THF]), plasma vitamin B12, and total homocysteine concentrations and obesity in pre-menopausal AA women (n=113). Design This was a cross sectional study conducted at the baseline segment of a dietary intervention study in which fasting samples were used for folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine measurements. Results In multivariable analysis, serum total folate concentrations were 14.5% lower in the overweight (BMI 25-29.9) and obese (BMI 30-39.9) women, and 25% lower in the extremely obese (BMI >40) compared to normal weight (BMI Conclusions With obesity at epidemic levels, these data, if confirmed by prospective or randomized controlled studies, have important public health implications. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):A97.
Picturing Herself: On Diane Arbus's Revelations

The author argues that the extensive inclusion of material souvenirs of Diane Arbus's art-making process and life history in her 2005 exhibition, Revelations, defines Arbus's work as verb rather than just a collection of art objects. She suggests that the power of good art is an illumination of the processes that constitute the seeking subject, and furthermore, that Arbus's work reflects the urgency of this search.
Theory of Bloch Electrons in a Magnetic Field: The Effective Hamiltonian

The Hamiltonian of a Bloch electron in a static magnetic field is $H=\frac{1}{2}{\mathrm{P}}^{2}+V(\mathrm{r})$, where $V(\mathrm{r})$ is the periodic potential, $\mathrm{P}=\mathrm{p}+\frac{\mathrm{A}}{c}$, and A is the vector potential giving rise to the magnetic field $\mathcal{H}$. We consider the case of a nondegenerate band $m$. It is then shown that, with an error vanishing with $\mathcal{H}$ like ${\mathcal{H}}^{N+1}$ ($N$ arbitrary), the eigenstates of $H$ can be calculated from an equivalent Hamiltonian ${\overline{H}}_{m}(\mathrm{P})$ with the following properties: (1) It is a one-band Hamiltonian, obtained by transforming away all relevant interband matrix elements. (2) It depends only on the gauge-covariant operators ${P}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$. (3) It has the periodicity property ${\overline{H}}_{m}(\mathrm{P}+\mathrm{K})={\overline{H}}_{m}(\mathrm{P})$, where K is an arbitrary reciprocal lattice vector. (4) It can be written as a series ${\overline{H}}_{m}(\mathrm{P})={{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{i=0}}^{N}{s}^{i}{\overline{H}}_{m;i}(\mathrm{P})$ where $s\ensuremath{\equiv}\frac{\mathcal{H}}{c}$ and the functions ${\overline{H}}_{m;i}(\mathrm{P})$ are completely symmetrized in the noncommuting operators ${P}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$. Properties (3) and (4) can also be summarized in the equations ${\overline{H}}_{m}(\mathrm{P})={\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{l}{a}^{(l)}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{exp}[i{\mathrm{R}}^{(l)}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\mathrm{P}]$, where the ${\mathrm{R}}^{(l)}$ are lattice vectors and the ${a}^{(l)}$ can be expanded as ${a}^{(l)}={{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{i=0}}^{N}{s}^{i}{{a}_{i}}^{(l)}$. An algorithm is given for the construction of the ${\overline{H}}_{m;i}$ and carried through for $i=0, 1, 2$. The formalism is not restricted to the neighborhood of the bottom and top of the band. We believe that the equivalent Hamiltonian ${\overline{H}}_{m}(\mathrm{P})$ provides a sound basis for a discussion of wave functions and energy levels of Bloch electrons in a magnetic field.
Formation of a growth factor (GABA) by Agrobacterium inoculated leaves and the effect of GABA on tumor initiation and growth

Abstract Twenty-seven strains of Agrobacterium , including virulent and avirulent forms, when inoculated on bean leaves induce formation of tumor growth factor II (TGF-II) which has been shown to be γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Only A. tumefaciens strain 181 did not; since this strain is highly virulent, formation of TGF-II is not essential for tumor initiation. The level of GABA in bacteria-inoculated leaves is increased about 3-fold over wounded controls. Bean leaf tumors show a positive growth response when as little as 0·1 μg of GABA is applied per leaf and this response shows the same high specificity found for animal neuron responses to GABA. Because of the sensitivity of the tumor growth assay and the failure to detect TGF-II activity in extracts of control leaves, it is postulated that a second factor which inhibits tumor response to GABA is present in these extracts but reduced in amount or absent in extracts from bacteria-inoculated leaves. Addition of GABA with the bacterial inoculum inhibits tumor initiation.
Low-temperature thermal conductivity of a glassy epoxy-epoxy composite

The thermal conductivities of epoxy resins filled with particles which are identical to the resin matrix have been measured from 0.025 to 9 K. The thermal conductivities of the filled epoxy resins are decreased slightly by the presence of the epoxy particles. This reduction for different epoxies, filling factors, and particle sizes is explained by an increase of about a factor of two in phonon scattering within a boundary layer between particle and matrix.
Determination of phenols in water and wastewater by post-column reaction detection high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract The analysis of phenols using high-performance liquid chromatography and post-column reaction detection has been studied. The system design utilizes the reaction of ten of the phenols on the U.S. Environmental Priority Pollutant List with 4-aminoantipyrine and potassium ferricyanide. The chromophores that are produced can be quantified at either 509 nm or 470 nm depending upon the structure of the eluting phenol. The separation procedures uses a linear gradient consisting of 0.2% phosphoric acid and methanol. The phosphoric acid concentration is varied from 90% to 20% in 20 min. providing for resolution of each of the ten phenols. The concentration of each of the reagents and the pH used for the post-column reaction have been studied in order to optimize the post-column quantification. In addition two methods for concentrating the phenols in water and waste-water have been examined. The recovery and repeatability of these are presented. A series of influent and effluent samples from a wastewater treatment plant have been assayed using the method presented. The results of this study are discussed.
Validity of the aluminum equivalent approximation in space radiation shielding

The origin of the aluminum equivalent shield approximation in space radiation analysis can be traced back to its roots in the early years of the NASA space programs (Mercury, Gemini and Apollo) wherein the primary radiobiological concern was the intense sources of ionizing radiation causing short term effects which was thought to jeopardize the safety of the crew and hence the mission. Herein, it is shown that the aluminum equivalent shield approximation, although reasonably well suited for that time period and to the application for which it was developed, is of questionable usefulness to the radiobiological concerns of routine space operations of the 21 st century which will include long stays onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and perhaps the moon. This is especially true for a risk based protection system, as appears imminent for deep space exploration where the long-term effects of Galactic Cosmic Ray (GCR) exposure is of primary concern. The present analysis demonstrates that sufficiently large errors in the interior particle environment of a spacecraft result from the use of the aluminum equivalent approximation, and such approximations should be avoided in future astronaut risk estimates. In this study, the aluminum equivalent approximation is evaluated as a means for estimating the particle environment within a spacecraft structure induced by the GCR radiation field. For comparison, the two extremes of the GCR environment, the 1977 solar minimum and the 2001 solar maximum, are considered. These environments are coupled to the Langley Research Center (LaRC) deterministic ionized particle transport code High charge (Z) and Energy TRaNsport (HZETRN), which propagates the GCR spectra for elements with charges (Z) in the range I <= Z <= 28 (H -- Ni) and secondary neutrons through selected target materials. The coupling of the GCR extremes to HZETRN allows for the examination of the induced environment within the interior' of an idealized spacecraft as approximated by a spherical shell shield, and the effects of the aluminum equivalent approximation for a good polymeric shield material such as genetic polyethylene (PE). The shield thickness is represented by a 25 g/cm spherical shell. Although one could imagine the progression to greater thickness, the current range will be sufficient to evaluate the qualitative usefulness of the aluminum equivalent approximation. Upon establishing the inaccuracies of the aluminum equivalent approximation through numerical simulations of the GCR radiation field attenuation for PE and aluminum equivalent PE spherical shells, we Anther present results for a limited set of commercially available, hydrogen rich, multifunctional polymeric constituents to assess the effect of the aluminum equivalent approximation on their radiation attenuation response as compared to the generic PE.
Coherent DS-CDMA performance in Nakagami multipath fading

The coherent reception of direct sequence-code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) signals in a multipath fading channel is considered. The channel model assumes independent paths with Nakagami fading statistics; this model includes the Rayleigh channel os a special case and is a reasonable model for a frequency-selective fading channel. The bit error rate (BER) performance of a RAKE receiver under various multipath fading conditions is derived and evaluated. The results indicate that over 50 users may access the channel (assuming 127 chips per bit) simultaneously under typical fading conditions, and can achieve an uncoded BER of 0.01 with an average received signal-to-noise ratio per bit of 10 dB. >
Revisiting web server workload invariants in the context of scientific web sites

The Web has evolved much from when Arlitt and Williamson proposed the ten Web workload invariants more than a decade ago. Many diverse communities now depend on the Web in their day-to-day lives. A current knowledge of the invariants for the Web is useful for performance enhancement and for synthetic Web workload generation. Invariants can also serve as a useful tool for detecting anomaly and misuse, a new dimension of Web usage arising from the change in trust assumptions in the Internet in the recent years. Focusing on scientific Web servers, we revisit the Web server workload invariants and find that only three out of the ten invariants hold as-is. We investigate appropriate revisions to the invariants that do not hold and also propose three new invariants for scientific Web servers.
Navigating the Waves of Social and Political Capriciousness: Inspiring Perspectives From DREAM-Eligible Immigrant Students

This article examines the psychological and sociological impacts of the proposed Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act and in-state tuition legislation on DREAM-eligible students in the Midwestern United States. The researchers sought to capture the lived experiences of undocumented immigrant students through their rich interpretations of current immigration policy and how participants described their situation, their identity, and their dreams in relation to the volatility of their external environment.
Sonography of adenomyosis.

denomyosis was first described by Rokitansky in 1860 as “cystosarcoma adenoides uterinum” and was later defined by Von Recklinghausen in 1896. It is a common condition that predominantly affects women in the late reproductive years. Adenomyosis has been noted to occur in about 30% of the general female population and in up to 70% of hysterectomy specimens depending on the definition of the entity. 1 The diagnosis can be made with sonography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but this article will show that sonography should be the imaging modality of choice for adenomyosis.
The minimal time detection algorithm

An aerospace vehicle may operate throughout a wide range of flight environmental conditions that affect its dynamic characteristics. Even when the control design incorporates a degree of robustness, system parameters may drift enough to cause its performance to degrade below an acceptable level. The object of this paper is to develop a change detection algorithm so that we can build a highly adaptive control system applicable to aircraft systems. The idea is to detect system changes with minimal time delay. The algorithm developed is called Minimal Time-Change Detection Algorithm (MT-CDA) which detects the instant of change as quickly as possible with false-alarm probability below a certain specified level. Simulation results for the aircraft lateral motion with a known or unknown change in control gain matrices, in the presence of doublet input, indicate that the algorithm works fairly well as theory indicates though there is a difficulty in deciding the exact amount of change in some situations. One of MT-CDA distinguishing properties is that detection delay of MT-CDA is superior to that of Whiteness Test. >
Regulation and trafficking of three distinct 18 S ribosomal RNAs during development of the malaria parasite

The human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax has been shown to regulate the transcription of two distinct 18 RNAs during development. Here we show a third and distinctive type of ribosome that is present shortly after zygote formation, a transcriptional pattern of ribosome types that relates closely to the developmental state of the parasite and a phenomenon that separates ribosomal types at a critical phase of maturation. The A-type ribosome is predominantly found in infected erythrocytes of the vertebrate and the mosquito blood meal. Transcripts from the A gene are replaced by transcripts from another locus, the O gene, shortly after fertilization and increase in number as the parasite develops on the mosquito midgut. Transcripts from another locus, the S gene, begins as the oocyst form of the parasite matures. RNA transcripts from the S gene are preferentially included in sporozoites that bud off from the oocyst and migrate to the salivary gland while the O gene transcripts are left within the oocyst. Although all three genes are typically eukaryotic in structure, the O gene transcript, described here, varies from the other two in core regions of the rRNA that are involved in mRNA decoding and translational termination. We now can correlate developmental progression of the parasite with changes in regions of rRNA sequence that are broadly conserved, where sequence alterations have been related to function in other systems and whose effects can be studied outside of Plasmodium. This should allow assessment of the role of translational control in parasite development.
Just Who Are You Calling Risk Averse

This paper estimates individual risk preferences based upon data that are generated by the same individuals acting in different institutions. The results show that the (estimated) numerical values of individuals' implied risk parameters are not stable within individuals across institutions. Furthermore, the ranking across subjects of the numerical values of individuals' implied risk parameters is not preserved across institutions.
Simultaneous logic decomposition with technology mapping in FPGA designs

Conventional technology mapping algorithms for SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are normally carried out on a fixed logic decomposition of a circuit. The impact of logic decomposition on delay and area of the technology mapping solutions is not well understood. In this paper, we present an algorithm named SLDMap that performs delay-minimized technology mapping on a large set of decompositions and simultaneously controls the mapping area under delay constraints. Our study leads to two conclusions: (1) For depth minimization, the best algorithms in conventional flow (dmig + CutMap) produce satisfactory results with a short runtime, even with a fixed decomposition; (2) When all the structural decompositions of the 6-bounded Boolean network are explored, SLDMap consistently outperforms the state-of-the-art separate flow (dmig + CutMap) by 12% in depth and 10% in area on average; it also consistently outperforms the state-of-the-art combined approach dogma by 8% in depth and 6% in area on average.
Hopping sensor relocation in rugged terrains

Hopping sensors are a type of low cost mobile sensors that are small in size, have limited capability and imprecise movement. However, their unique method of movement makes them suitable for rugged terrains. Sensors may fail when deployed in a rugged terrain or in an obstacle-abundant environment. Therefore, redundant sensors may be identified and relocated to the sensor holes. This paper addresses the problem of relocating such capability-constrained sensors in an obstructive environment. We propose an enhanced Quorum-Grid solution with Binary Splitting Message Forwarding (BSMF), which is decentralized and can detect both existing and newly appearing obstructions in the supplier and consumer cells matching process. Furthermore, a grid-based movement model is introduced for the hopping sensors. Simulation shows that our scheme significantly reduces the communication overhead and achieves relatively constant total energy consumption with varying amount of obstructions.
Polymer and sprinkler droplet energy effects on sugar beet emergence, soil penetration resistance, and aggregate stability

Polymers in water applied to soil surfaces may increase aggregate stability and reduce aggregate slaking, thus minimizing crusting and increasing sugar beet (Beta vulgarisL.) emergence. We studied a cationic organic polymer, Nalcolyte 8102, manufactured by Ondeo Nalco Co., Naperville, IL, USA. The material’s active ingredient is a poly diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride (polyDADMAC), a proprietary quaternary polyamine. Surface-applied Nalcolyte 8102 and droplet energy were evaluated in laboratory and field studies for their effects on sugar beet emergence, soil penetration resistance (PR), and aggregate stability of two sprinkler irrigated, crust-prone silt loams in Idaho, U.S.A. In the laboratory, Nalcolyte 8102 at 1.1 Mg active ingredient (a.i.) ha−1 was applied in 74,000 L of solution ha−1 of wetted area; 5.4 Mg a.i. ha−1 was applied in both 50,000 and 105,000 L ha−1; and untreated water at 49,000 L ha−1 was applied as a control. These treatments applied a. 7 mm (7 mm3 mm−2) of a 5% by volume solution, 5 mm of a 37% solution, a. 10 mm of an 18% solution, and a. 5 mm of untreated water, respectively. Later, at three field sites, Nalcolyte 8102 at 0.7 and 1.1 Mg a.i. ha−1 were each applied in 74,000 L ha−1 of solution (a. 7 mm of a 3 and 5 solution, respectively) by spraying at planting onto two soils, a Durinodic Xeric Haplocalcid and a Xeric Haplodurid, with sugar beet planted to stand. In the laboratory, Nalcolyte 8102 at 1.1 Mg ha−1 increased emergence 2.5-fold (32% to 80%) and reduced PR 3.5-fold (1.34 MPa to 0.39 MPa) at 22 days after planting (DAP), compared with controls. In the field, 0.7 and 1.1 Mg ha−1 increased emergence 1.2-fold (48.4 to about 58.3%) 50 DAP and increased aggregate stability after treatment 1.4-fold (68% to 97%) one DAP and 1.2-fold (76% to about 89%) 50 DAP, relative to an untreated control that received no water.
The rank transformation applied to a multi-univariate method of global optimization

The incorporation of the rank transformation with an existing multivariate method of global optimization is presented. By transforming the objective function evaluations into ranks and applying Stuckman's multi-univariate method of global optimization to the ranked data, the resulting method gains the same benefits as the nonparametric method. The method is applied to a standard set of test functions. The application of the rank transformation is shown to significantly reduce the number of function evaluations needed for convergence within a specified tolerance. >
In vitro B-mode ultrasonographic criteria for diagnosing axillary lymph node metastasis of breast cancer.

Axillary lymph node status is an important factor for staging and treatment planning in breast cancer. Our study was performed in vitro on a node-by-node basis to evaluate the ability of B-mode ultrasonographic images to distinguish metastatic from nonmetastatic nodes. Immediately prior to histologic examination, individual dissected axillary nodes were scanned in a water bath using a 10 MHz B-mode ultrasonographic transducer. Four B-mode features (size, circularity, border demarcation, and internal echo) were evaluated for their ability to distinguish metastatic from nonmetastatic lymph nodes. Lymph node metastasis was indicated by (1) a large size (i.e., a length of the longest axis of 10 mm or greater); (2) a circular shape (i.e., the ratio of the shortest axis to the longest axis between 0.5 and 1.0); (3) a sharply demarcated border compared with surrounding fatty tissue; and (4) a hypoechoic internal echo, with obliteration of the fatty hilum. The sensitivity and specificity were compared for all combinations of features. We examined 84 histologically characterized axillary nodes from 27 breast cancer patients, including 64 nonmetastatic and 20 metastatic nodes. Of the criteria cited, circular shape was the best single feature for distinguishing metastatic from nonmetastatic nodes (sensitivity, 65%; specificity, 73%). The best combination of sensitivity (85%) and specificity (73%) was obtained using the criterion that a lymph node contained cancer when at least three positive features were present. The present in vitro study demonstrated that the sensitivity and specificity of B-mode ultrasonography for diagnosing lymph node metastasis were lower than 90%. Therefore, B-mode ultrasonography may not be an optimal noninvasive screening method for diagnosing axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients, particularly under in vivo clinical conditions.
An efficient domain decomposition method for three-dimensional parabolic problems

A non-overlapping domain decomposition algorithm to solve three-dimensional parabolic partial differential equations is presented. It has been shown in this paper that the algorithm is unconditionally stable and efficient. Spectral radii for the interface and interior region are provided. Unlike two-dimensional problem, it has been found out that estimating the values of the points of the interface in three-dimensional problem is no longer negligible.
Cruciferous vegetables in relation to renal cell carcinoma

Little is known about the possible role of diet in the development of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A population-based case-control study was conducted in non-Asians of Los Angeles; it included 1,204 RCC patients and an equal number of neighborhood controls matched to the index cases by sex, date of birth (within 5 years) and ethnicity. Information on intake frequencies of food groups rich in vitamins A and C, various carotenoids and nitrosamines or their precursors was collected through in-person, structured interviews. After adjustment for non-dietary risk factors including level of education, obesity, history of hypertension, cigarette smoking and regular use of analgesics and amphetamines, there were strong inverse associations between cruciferous and dark green vegetable intakes and RCC risk (both p values for linear trend < 0.001). In terms of nutrients, there were significant inverse associations of RCC risk with consumption of a variety of carotenoids including alpha-carotene (p < 0.001), beta-carotene (p = 0.004), beta-cryptoxanthin (p = 0.01) and lutein (p = 0.005). However, after adjustment for these nutrients, we still observed a significant residual effect of cruciferous vegetables, suggesting that other substances present in these vegetables may be responsible, at least partially, for the observed reduction in risk of RCC. Dietary nitrosamines and their precursors were not related to RCC risk.
Creating New Images of Vietnam: Celebrating Tet in the Middle-School Classroom.

(1995). Creating New Images of Vietnam: Celebrating Tet in the Middle-School Classroom. The Social Studies: Vol. 86, No. 1, pp. 29-32.
Über Aminoalkoholester von Hydroxyboranen, III Boroxazolidine; die Hydrolyse von triptych‐Boroxazolidin

Durch kinetische Untersuchungen der Hydrolyse von triptych-Boroxazolidin (I) in alkalischem, saurem und neutralem Medium wird gezeigt, das zuerst Spaltung der koordinativen NB-Bindung unter Bildung des Nitrilotriathylborats (II) als Zwischenprodukt erfolgt und anschliesend die Esterbindung hydrolysiert wird. Die umgekehrte Folge ist mit den vorliegenden Daten unvereinbar. — In neutraler Losung bildet sich I aus den Komponenten bis zu einem Gleichgewicht, das sich aus der freien Reaktionsenergie ableiten last. Fur die Geschwindigkeits- und Gleichgewichtsmessungen in neutraler Losung wurde die Konzentration von I nach einer Analysenmethode bestimmt, die auf der Kinetik der sauren Hydrolyse basiert.
Hemopoietic colony forming cells in regenerating mouse liver.

Cells from regenerating mouse liver removed 2 to 25 days post 68 percent hepatic resection have been assayed for in vitro colony forming capacity in soft agar (CFU-C), proliferative capacity in liquid culture, and in vivo spleen colony forming capacity (CFU-S). These studies demonstrated low concentrations of CFU-C and CFU-S in normal and sham-operated liver, with an appreciable increase of both in regenerating liver, reaching maximum values in tissue removed 5--7 days post hepatic resection. Colony formation in agar by regenerating liver cells occurred in the absence of exogenous colony stimulating factor. Separation of liver cells on the basis of adherent properties prior to culture indicated concentration of CFU-C in the nonadherent fraction, while cells producing colony stimulating factor were concentrated in the adherent fraction. Foci of actively dividing cells of the macrophage and granulocyte series arose in liquid culture from preparations of sham operated and regenerating liver, although total cell formation was greater with regenerating liver.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae survives within and modulates apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine production of human macrophages

Summary The human-adapted organism Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted infection. It readily colonizes the genital, rectal and nasalpharyngeal mucosa during infection. While it is well established that N. gonorrhoeae recruits and modulates the functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes during infection, how N. gonorrhoeae interacts with macrophages present in infected tissue is not fully defined. We studied the interactions of N. gonorrhoeae with two human monocytic cell lines, THP-1 and U937, and primary monocytes, all differentiated into macrophages. Most engulfed bacteria were killed in the phagolysosome, but a subset of bacteria was able to survive and replicate inside the macrophages suggesting that those cells may be an unexplored cellular reservoir for N. gonorrhoeae during infection. N. gonorrhoeae was able to modulate macrophage apoptosis: N. gonorrhoeae induced apoptosis in THP-1 cells whereas it inhibited induced apoptosis in U937 cells and primary human macrophages. Furthermore, N. gonorrhoeae induced expression of inflammatory cytokines in macrophages, suggesting a role for macrophages in recruiting polymorphonuclear leukocytes to the site of infection. These results indicate macrophages may serve as a significant replicative niche for N. gonorrhoeae and play an important role in gonorrheal pathogenesis.
Objective analysis of a two dimensional data field by the cubic spline technique

Abstract : A procedure to use the Spline interpolation technique on an arbitrarily prescribed two-dimensional data field is described. In order to use this technique it is necessary to obtain an initial approximation to the data at the grid points. This is achieved by fitting spherical surfaces to the data. Bi-directional Spline interpolation was then applied repeatedly on the grid point estimates of the data to produce convergence to the true surface. The Spline interpolation technique and another objective analysis technique developed by Gilchrist and Cressman are tested against an exact solution and the resulting analyses are compared. Real temperature, geopotential height, and wind data for various pressure surfaces are analysed by the Spline method and the results are compared to the subjective analyses of the same data.
Alloimmune neonatal neutropenia and neonatal isoerythrolysis in a Thoroughbred colt.

A 3-day-old Thoroughbred colt was originally presented for treatment of neonatal isoerythrolysis, which was treated with a blood transfusion. However, persistent neutropenia was observed despite the absence of detectable infection. Subsequently, a granulocyte agglutination test was performed by incubating the colt’s neutrophils with the mare’s serum; results were positive, leading to a clinical diagnosis of alloimmune neonatal neutropenia. The diagnosis was further supported via flow cytometric analysis. The colt was hospitalized and treated prophylactically with antimicrobials and 4 separate doses of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF; 1.4–3.5 µg/kg, subcutaneously) in attempts to maintain the neutrophil count within reference intervals over a 4-week period. The colt’s neutrophil count increased after administration of rhG-CSF and eventually stabilized within reference intervals by day 20. The colt maintained normal neutrophil counts after discharge and was reportedly health...
Integrating Multibody Simulations With SysML

In this paper we will show an integration of a JPL-internal multi body simulation tool within the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) tool MagicDraw. The SysML provides the means to model requirements, functions, structure and behavior of a system. Integrating a multi body physics simulation with this language creates a seamless way to combine system level questions with the detailed design. The integration allows for the import and export of the simulation models as well as the definition of metrics on the simulation. The system model can be used to express the requirements, the tests that verify the satisfaction and the implementation of the system according to these requirements. Having all the different aspects in one central model reduces the thread of inconsistencies through reuse and linking of model elements. The SysML model allows for an easier creation of large models and the integration with other disciplines is already prepared.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The Optimal Level of Local Government Fund Balances: A Simulation Approach

The author tries to determine the optimal level of fund balances for local governments. The author says that results suggest that a simple 5 percent balance rule for local governments is far too simplified and is likely to be inadequate to maintain even moderately high growth rates of government expenditures over extended periods of time with much confidence.
Effects of Glucose and Thiol Depletion on Chemically-Induced Peroxide Production in Mammalian Cells

Today there is a good deal of interest in oxygen and its role in carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and radiation response. Our laboratory has long been interested in one class of clinically useful drugs, the nitroaromatic heterocycles, which stimulate oxygen consumption in mammalian cells via metabolic reduction to oxygen-reactive radical anions (1,2). Figure 1 is a metabolic scheme for cellular reduction of the nitro compounds. This metabolism, and factors that influence it, has recently been reviewed by Biaglow (2) and by Mason (3).
A 2015 Survey of Clinical Practice Patterns in the Management of Thyroid Nodules.

Context: The management of thyroid nodules has changed dramatically over the past two decades. In the interim, technological advances including high-resolution ultrasound and molecular testing of thyroid nodules have been introduced. Objective: We sought to document current practices in the management thyroid nodules and assess the extent to which technological advances have been incorporated into current practice. We further sought to compare current practice to recommendations made in a recently updated American Thyroid Association (ATA) clinical practice guideline (CPG) and examine differences in thyroid nodule management among international members of U.S.-based endocrine societies. Methods: Members of The Endocrine Society, ATA, and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists were invited to participate in a Web-based survey dealing with testing, treatment preference, and modulating factors in patients with thyroid nodules. Results: A total of 897 respondents participated in the survey, includi...
Systematic implications of karyotypic and morphologic variation in mainland Peromyscus from the Pacific northwest

Karyotypic data from a total of 129 deer mice from Washington and coastal British Columbia indicated the presence of two distinct karyotypic groups, a “low FN” group (FN = 74–76) corresponding to P. maniculatus austerus , and a “high FN” group (FN = 85–88) corresponding to P. oreas . The absence of karyotypic intermediates at localities of sympatry is interpreted as verifying the specific status of P. oreas . Banding data indicated the presence of more extensive chromosomal variation within each of these forms than divergence between them. Analyses of standard external measurements were consistent with the karyotypic data and revealed significant differences in total length, length of tail and length of hind foot between these species. Due to overlap in the ranges of these measurements, however, some specimens could not be identified positively to species without karyotypic data. Comparison of the banded karyotype of P. oreas to data available from other P. maniculatus group species suggests that P. oreas and P. sitkensis shared a common ancestor since their divergence from the maniculatus stock.
High Frame-Rate Dual-Wavelength Near-Infrared MR-Guided Dynamic Oximetry Imaging System

A NIR diffuse optical tomography system with spectrally-encoded sources at two wavelength bands allows simultaneous detection at high speed. It works with MR to provide images of high-contrast, fast changes in tissue oxygen saturation.
An automated process for three-dimensional photoelastic analysis: A fully automated process for obtaining and processing data from slices of a stress-frozen three-dimensional photoelastic model is described

The use of two monochromatic light sources to obtain two isochromatic patterns permits a fully automated shear-difference analysis of the stress distribution in a three-dimensional photoelastic model. A development is given of the logic necessary to process the data taken from an automated polariscope as well as the design details of the polariscope.
Effects of grooves on the formation of the LEV of an impulsively-started flat plate

This experimental investigation examines the effects of longitudinal and transverse square grooves on the growth of the leading edge vortex produced by a two-dimensional flat plate impulsively started to constant velocity in quiescent water. The experimental conditions include Reynolds numbers based on the chord length and average velocity of 1518, 3036 and 6072 and angles of attack of 90° and 75°. The vortex formation time defined by the travel distance of the plate and chord length is 0.6. The DPIV data are reduced to compare the vorticity fields and circulation of the smooth and grooved plates, and to examine the Reynolds number and angle of attack dependency. The comparison is carried out in context of circulation growth rate and LEV size and magnitude. Moreover, the effect of the secondary vortex of opposite sign on the growth of the LEV is also discussed. The smooth plate results indicate that the circulation growth rate is sensitive to the angle of attack only for the higher Reynolds number cases where the growth rates begin to decrease at t/T > 0.5. The decrease in the growth rate suggests reductions in the size and magnitude of the vortex. The results also show that the LEV separates sooner at the higher angle of attack. Negative vorticity induced by the LEV is found in all cases and is conjectured to be associated with a secondary vortex. This secondary vortex plays a role in modifying the growth of the size and magnitude of the LEV. The longitudinal grooves cause this secondary vortex to increase in size and magnitude, whereas the transverse grooves have opposite effect. However, the transverse grooves have a more pronounced effect on the circulation growth rate.
Mechanical properties non-destructive testing of wooden components of Korean pine based on stress wave and micro-drilling resistance

Korean pine timber samples were elected as experimental materials.Laboratory experiments were conducted to obtain stress wave speed,micro-drilling resistance,moisture content,as well as bending stiffness and strength for,exploring non-destructive testing methods of detecting the main mechanical properties.The pine performance computing model for the future on-site rapid test and evaluation were established at the mean time.After comparing with any single non-destructive testing method(stress wave detection,micro-drilling resistance tests),the modulus of stress-resistograph testing method had higher accuracy.Analysis indicated the modulus of stress-resistograph in the linear regression relationships with the modulus of elasticity(MOE),modulus of rupture(MOR),and the coefficient of determination were 0.826,0.724,respectively.