cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical and genomic characterization of 8p cytogenomic disorders

Purpose To provide a detailed clinical and cytogenomic summary of individuals with chromosome 8p rearrangements of invdupdel(8p), del(8p), and dup(8p). Methods We enrolled 97 individuals with invdupdel(8p), del(8p), and dup(8p). Clinical and molecular data were collected to delineate and compare the clinical findings and rearrangement breakpoints. We included additional 5 individuals with dup(8p) from the literature for a total of 102 individuals. Results Eighty-one individuals had recurrent rearrangements of invdupdel(8p) (n = 49), del(8p)_distal (n = 4), del(8p)_proximal (n = 9), del(8p)_proximald however, the presence of structural heart defects in some individuals with normal GATA4 copy number suggests there are other potentially contributing gene(s) on 8p. Conclusion Our study may inform families and health-care providers about the associated clinical findings and severity in individuals with chromosome 8p rearrangements, and guide researchers in investigating the underlying molecular and biological mechanisms by providing detailed clinical and cytogenomic information about individuals with distinct 8p rearrangements.
Dendrimer-based posaconazole nanoplatform for antifungal therapy.

We examined formulating a new antifungal agent, posaconazole (POS) and its derivatives, with different molecular vehicles. Several combinations of drug and carrier molecules were synthesized, and t...
Mesoplodon carlhubbsi (Archbeaked whale)

Skin biopsies of mother and fetus stranded at San Diego were used and are frozen. No other studies have been made. The top karyotype is prepared with C-banding; G-banding allows unequivocal identification of all elements (Amason et al., in press). The major portion of X(q) is heterochromatic, the euchromatic area comprising 4.4% of the haploid set.
Chapter 17 The Challenges in Developing Molecular Simulations of Fluid Properties for Industrial Applications

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the challenges faced in developing molecular simulations of fluid properties for industrial applications. Molecular simulation methods, both molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo, and computer speeds have developed to the point where it is possible to envision these methods as being able to provide reliable estimates of the thermal properties of industrially interesting ﬂuids. These methods are considered to be one of the enabling technologies of computational chemistry that are expected to facilitate the application of chemical science knowledge of condensed phase properties in the chemical industry for conditions where experimental data are sparse. In molecular simulations, the potential functions describing the intermolecular interactions determine the way the phase space of a system is sampled, as well as being used to evaluate the physical properties of the system. For the sampling barrier, the short-term task is to critically evaluate the novel nonequilibrium methods. For the longer term, the challenge is to develop user-friendly simulation packages so that the learning curve cost of using simulations is reduced to a level that encourages industrial use.
The Subunit Structures of Human Plasma and Platelet Factor XIII (Fibrinstabilizing Factor)

Abstract The subunit structures of plasma and platelet factor XIII have been compared. Plasma factor XIII contains 2 different subunits, each with a molecular weight of 81,000. The 2 subunits are well resolved on analysis of unreduced factor XIII by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate. One subunit, designated the a chain, contains no detectable carbohydrate, and on activation of factor XIII with thrombin its molecular weight drops to about 77,000. The other subunit, designated as b chain, contains carbohydrate and its molecular weight does not change on activation of factor XIII with thrombin. The a and b chains have markedly different amino acid compositions. Platelet factor XIII contains only one type of subunit, which is indistinguishable from the a chain of plasma factor XIII in its amino acid composition, lack of carbohydrate, and molecular weight, before and after thrombin activation. The pattern of fibrin cross-linking produced by either the plasma or platelet factor is identical.
Discovering association patterns based on mutual information

Identifying and expressing data patterns in form of association rules is a commonly used technique in data mining. Typically, association rules discovery is based on two criteria: support and confidence. In this paper we will briefly discuss the insufficiency on these two criteria, and argue the importance of including interestingness/dependency as a criterion for (association) pattern discovery. From the practical computational perspective, we will show how the proposed criterion grounded on interestingness could be used to improve the efficiency of pattern discovery mechanism. Furthermore, we will show a probabilistic inference mechanism that provides an alternative to pattern discovery. Example illustration and preliminary study for evaluating the proposed approach will be presented.
Control and Response of Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Vehicles

Some control techniques for a continuously variable transmission vehicle are discussed and compared. A proposed technique which allows the engine to always operate on an ideal line is presented. The optimality of this approach is discussed, and vehicle response is compared with a standard automatic transmission system. The advantages of the CVT system are delineated.
Higher Education in India: Contemporary Issues and Opportunities for Foreign Participation

This paper presents an overview of the contemporary issues and challenges of Indian higher education, and looks in particular at ways in which potential foreign participants can legitimately play a role in the sector. It does not seek to make a case for increased foreign participation, but presumes it to be a medium-term outcome of the process of India's integration into the global economy. Section I presents a brief overview of higher education in India today. Section II discusses important systemic challenges (access, equity, quality) and argues that these problems stem from the lack of public investment and a flawed regulatory structure, resulting in the rapid and unregulated growth of private provision. Section III maps the existing government perspective on foreign and private participation and attempts to show that there has been an increasing dissonance in the government's view of foreign institutions. This signals a growing public debate that can be successfully leveraged by potential entrants. Section IV concludes by briefly suggesting that in the final analysis, meaningful foreign participation hinges on the regulatory system's ability to successfully balance two conflicting objectives - building a world-class educational system, and ensuring that education remains a non-commercial activity that embodies national values and priorities.
Survival of bristly locust (Robinia hispida L.) in an emulated organic silvopasture

Bristly locust ( Robinia hispida L. [Fabaceae]) is a native tree legume that has received relatively little scientific attention from an agronomic perspective. The objective of this research was to assess transplant survival of bristly locust in an emulated organic goat ( Capra hircus L.) silvopasture. Clumps of trees grew well when mechanically transplanted into a warm-season grass-legume sward. Although the number of original live trees decreased 5 mo after transplanting by about 50%, the number of new shoots arising from rhizomes 2 y after transplanting was 5.3 shoots per plot (range 0 to 26 shoots), at an average distance of 1.4 m from the original clump (range 0.5 to 2.4 m). Our survival and growth data suggest that bristly locust may be well suited for organic livestock browse because of good performance in competition with existing herbaceous vegetation, but further research is needed on its nutritive value, presence or absence of antinutritional factors, and grazing management.
Adaptive equalization algorithms for high rate underwater acoustic communications

This paper is concerned with the design of high data rate acoustic communication systems that employ adaptive equalization to overcome the effects of intersymbol interference and fading. Our treatment is focused on the use of nonlinear decision-feedback equalization that is appropriate for high-speed, phase coherent digital communications on long range, deep water horizontal paths and medium range shallow water paths. The performance characteristics, limitations, and implementation complexities of adaptive equalization algorithms are also considered.
Hierarchical organization of guidance receptors: Silencing of netrin attraction by Slit through a Robo/DCC receptor complex

Axonal growth cones that cross the nervous system midline change their responsiveness to midline guidance cues: They become repelled by the repellent Slit and simultaneously lose responsiveness to the attractant netrin. These mutually reinforcing changes help to expel growth cones from the midline by making a once-attractive environment appear repulsive. Here, we provide evidence that these two changes are causally linked: In the growth cones of embryonic Xenopus spinal axons, activation of the Slit receptor Roundabout (Robo) silences the attractive effect of netrin-1, but not its growth-stimulatory effect, through direct binding of the cytoplasmic domain of Robo to that of the netrin receptor DCC. Biologically, this hierarchical silencing mechanism helps to prevent a tug-of-war between attractive and repulsive signals in the growth cone that might cause confusion. Molecularly, silencing is enabled by a modular and interlocking design of the cytoplasmic domains of these potentially antagonistic receptors that predetermines the outcome of their simultaneous activation.
Stage-dependent alterations of progenitor cell proliferation and neurogenesis in an animal model of Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome

Abstract Alcohol-induced Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) culminates in bilateral diencephalic lesion and severe amnesia. Using the pyrithiamine-induced thiamine deficiency (PTD) animal paradigm of WKS, our laboratory has demonstrated hippocampal dysfunction in the absence of gross anatomical pathology. Extensive literature has revealed reduced hippocampal neurogenesis following a neuropathological insult, which might contribute to hippocampus-based learning and memory impairments. Thus, the current investigation was conducted to determine whether PTD treatment altered hippocampal neurogenesis in a stage-dependent fashion. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to one of 4 stages of thiamine deficiency based on behavioral symptoms: pre-symptomatic stage, ataxic stage, early post-opisthotonus stage, or the late post-opisthotonus stage. The S-phase mitotic marker 5′-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered at the conclusion of each stage following thiamine restoration and subjects were perfused 24 hours or 28 days after BrdU to assess cellular proliferation or neurogenesis and survival, respectively. Dorsal hippocampal sections were immunostained for BrdU (proliferating cell marker), NeuN (neurons), GFAP (astrocytes), Iba-1 (microglia), and O4 (oligodendrocytes). The PTD treatment increased progenitor cell proliferation and survival during the early post-opisthotonus stage. However, levels of neurogenesis were reduced during this stage as well as the late post-opisthotonus stage where there was also an increase in astrocytogenesis. The diminished numbers of newly generated neurons (BrdU/NeuN co-localization) was paralleled by increased BrdU cells that did not co-localize with any of the phenotypic markers during these later stages. These data demonstrate that long-term alterations in neurogenesis and gliogenesis might contribute to the observed hippocampal dysfunction in the PTD model and human WKS.
Advances in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for hazardous waste monitoring

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is being evaluated for use as an advanced method for detecting organic contaminants in groundwater during field-screening of environmental samples. The SERS technique offers attractive and unique capabilities for detecting a wide range of organic contaminants in aqueous environments at ppm to ppb levels. An inexpensive computer-controlled portable spectrometer system coupled to a fiberoptic probe has been developed for rapid on-site and in situ determination of organic contamination in groundwater. Applications of recent advances in substrate fabrication for use with environmental samples are discussed, and critical issues pertaining to substrate durability, repeatability, sensitivity, selectivity and universality are addressed.
A Performance Comparison between Circular and Spline-Based Methods for Iris Segmentation

Iris segmentation is an important module of iris recognition that can substantially affect recognition performance. Since iris and pupil boundaries usually are not exactly circular, spline-based methods have been used to model irregular iris and pupil boundaries recently. However, in most existing methods, many other factors or modules in the iris recognition pipeline are evaluated together and their mixed effects are assumed to be negligible. More importantly, the splines that model irregularity of the boundaries could not be enough to model the internal nonlinear deformations of an iris pattern (e.g., caused by iris dilation). As a result, it remains unclear whether spline-based methods can provide significant improvements. In this paper, we conduct a complete performance comparison between circular and spline-based methods. There are mainly two contributions. Firstly, for the purpose of comparison, we propose a spline estimator that is robust to outliers caused by eyelashes, eyelids, highlights, and shadows. Secondly, we analyze the relation between iris matching distances and segmentation results by using circular and spline-based methods. Based on our experiments, we found that, even with the proposed robust spline estimator, the improvement of recognition performance is still limited (around 6%). Therefore, in case that less robust spline estimators are used due to the real-time requirement in practical systems, the actual recognition improvement by using splines could be far below the expectation.
Amygdala enlargement in unaffected offspring of bipolar parents

Abstract Background Bipolar disorder (BD) is a devastating disorder with a strong genetic component. While the frontolimbic profile of individuals suffering from BD is relatively well-established, there is still disagreement over the neuroanatomical features of unaffected BD offspring. Material and methods Brain volumetric measures were obtained for 82 children and adolescents including 18 unaffected BD offspring (10.50 ± 3.37 years), 19 BD offspring suffering from psychiatric disorders (12.87 ± 3.28 years) and 45 healthy controls (HC-10.50 ± 3.37 years). Clinical diagnoses were established according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) criteria. Cortical reconstruction and volumetric segmentation were performed with the Freesurfer image analysis suite. Profile analyses compared frontolimbic volumes across groups. Age, gender, testing site, ethnicity and intracranial volume were entered as covariates. Results The right amygdala was significantly larger in unaffected BD offspring compared to BD offspring with psychiatric disorders and HC. Volumes of striatal, hippocampal, cingulate, and temporal regions were comparable across groups. Discussion The size of the amygdala may be a marker of disease susceptibility in offspring of BD parents. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine rates of conversion to BD as related to specific pre-morbid brain abnormalities.
New material of labyrinthodont amphibians from the Lower Triassic Fremouw Formation of Antarctica

ABSTRACT The fragmentary material described in this account supplements the initial report on the temnospondylous labyrinthodonts of the Lower Triassic Fremouw Formation of Antarctica given by Colbert and Cosgriff (1974). Some of the fragments are referred to the lydekkerinid Cryobatrachus kitchingi, others (with question) to the brachyopid Austrobrachyops jenseni, and still others to the family Rhytidosteidae without generic or specific determination. The rhytidosteid is a new entry for the tetrapod faunal list of the Fremouw Formation. Taphonomy is considered, and it is shown that the lithologie contexts of the Fremouw Formation which are productive of temnospondyls are consonant with the view that brachyopids, lydekkerinids, and rhytidosteids were tetrapods primarily adapted to the fresh-water and water-edge habitats of the general flood plain regime under which the Fremouw Formation was deposited.
The Penetration, Distribution and Metabolism of Organic Phosphates in the American Roach, Periplaneta Americana (Linn.)

Roan et al. (1950 reported the results of studies with P32 labelled organic phosphates. The effect of solvents on the permeabilities of these compounds, the rates of distribution through the tissues of the American roach and the rates of excretion of these compounds by the same insect were presented in the above mentioned paper. The investigation under review represents a continuation of these studies.
On-line learning of smooth functions of a single variable

Abstract We study the on-line learning of classes of functions of a single real variable formed through bounds on various norms of functions' derivatives. We determine the best bounds obtainable on the worst-case sum of squared errors (also “absolute” errors) for several such classes. We prove upper bounds for these classes of smooth functions for other loss functions, and prove upper and lower bounds in terms of the number of trials.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with higher left ventricular mass index: the CARDIA women's study.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine whether young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have evidence of early structural changes in echocardiographic parameters as a measurement of cardiovascular risk. Methods: We investigated the association of PCOS and echocardiographic parameters in 984 black and white women in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, a cohort followed prospectively for 20 yr. Women ages 34–46 (Year 16) completed questionnaires recalling symptoms of oligomenorrhea and hirsutism in their 20s and 30s. Serum androgens were obtained at Year 2. Women in their 20s and 30s were classified into four mutually exclusive groups: 1) PCOS; 2) isolated oligomenorrhea (IO); 3) isolated hyperandrogenism (IH); and 4) reference group. Outcome measures were defined as echocardiography data from Year 5. We used multivariable linear regression models to evaluate the association of PCOS and its components with left ventricular (LV) mass index, left atrial (LA)...
Solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas : a surgical enigma?

Background: Solid-pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) of the pancreas have been reported as rare lesions with “low malignant potential” occurring mainly in young women. This study was designed to define the clinicopathological characteristics and the effect of surgical intervention. Methods: A retrospective review from January 1985 to July 2000 was performed. Clinicopathological, operative, and survival data were obtained. The Kaplan-Meier method andχ 2 analysis were performed. All cases were re-reviewed by a senior pathologist. Results: During this time, 24 patients were diagnosed as having SPTs (0.9%). Twenty females and four males were identified, with a median age of 39 years (range, 12–79). The median size of the lesions was 8.0 cm (range, 1–20). Two patients’ tumors were found to be unresectable at initial presentation because of vascular invasion; both patients have remained alive with disease, one for 13 years and the other 1 year. At a median follow-up of 8 years, one recurrence occurred in 17 patients who underwent complete resection. Microscopic margin positive (P=.26), invasion of surrounding structures (P=.51), and size >5 cm (P=.20) were not significant predictors of survival. Four patients presented with synchronous liver metastasis and underwent resection of the primary tumor and the liver metastasis, with one patient dying of progression of metastatic disease at 8 months, another alive with recurrence in the liver at 6 years, and the last two alive without evidence of disease at 1 month and 11 years. Conclusions: SPT occurs predominantly in women (82%), although it can occur in men; all age groups are affected. Complete resection is associated with long-term survival even in the presence of metastatic disease.
Serum Lipoproteins in Chickens after Administration of Adrenocorticotropin or Exposure to High Temperature

Abstract The effects of intramuscular injections of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) or short-term exposures to high environmental temperature (44 to 46 C) were determined on the relative amounts of lipoproteins in the serum of 6 to 7-week-old White Rock chickens. In addition, the influence of the sex of the bird and fasting vs. ad libitum feeding on these lipoproteins was measured. The relative amount of high density lipoprotein (HDL) was lowered by ACTH, and heat exposure lowered both HDL and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). Fasting completely eliminated VLDL and lowered low density lipoprotein (LDL) but had little effect on HDL. The temperature treatments significantly increased serum corticosteroid levels in both sexes in birds fed ad libitum but only in the males of fasted birds. Fasting for 15 hr did not significantly affect serum corticosteroid levels.
THE OCCURRENCE OF CHLOROPHYLLS C1 AND C2 IN THE CHRYSOPHYCEAE1

We analyzed 34 strains representing 25 species of Chrysophyceae for chlorophylls c1 and c2 using thin-layer chromatography. Most organisms had both chlorophylls c1 and c2 in addition to chlorophyll a but 17 strains of 9 species of Synura and Mallomonas possessed only chlorophylls a and c1. These are the first chlorophyll c-bearing algae which lack chlorophyll c2. We postulate that at least some of the silica-scaled algae including Mallomonas and Synura may be distinct from other Chrysophyceae based upon pigmentation and other characters described in the literature.
Review of clinical experience with digoxin immune Fab (ovine)

Following the development of methods for eliciting and purifying digoxin-specific Fab fragments with high affinity and specificity for cardiac glycosides, clinical studies were undertaken as a multicenter, open-label trial to test safety and efficacy in patients with advanced and potentially life-threatening digitalis toxicity that failed to respond to conventional therapeutic measures. One-hundred fifty such patients were treated with digoxin-specific antibody fragments purified from immunoglobulin G (IgG) produced in sheep. Doses of Fab were equivalent to the amount of digoxin or digitoxin in the patient's body, as estimated from the medical history or serum concentration measurements. Of 150 patients included in this trial, detailed information is available on 148. One-hundred nineteen (80%) had resolution of all signs and symptoms of digitalis toxicity following specific Fab fragment infusions, 14 (10%) improved, and 15 (10%) showed no response. Among 14 patients with adverse events possibly or probably caused by Fab, the most common events were development of hypokalemia and exacerbation of congestive heart failure. Analysis of the available clinical data indicates that a treatment response was observed in at least 90% of patients with convincing evidence of advanced and potentially life-threatening digitalis toxicity. The data from this multicenter trial have been augmented by findings from an observational surveillance study conducted to monitor the safety and effectiveness of treatment with digoxin immune Fab (ovine) following commercial availability. In this experience, 74% of patients were judged to have a complete or partial response to treatment, and 12% no response. The response for the remaining 14% was not reported or reported as uncertain. In this clinical experience, digoxin-specific Fab was generally well tolerated and clinically effective in patients with potentially life-threatening digitalis toxicity.
Selection of soybean plant leaves which yield mesophyll cell isolates with maximal rates of CO2 and NO inf2 (sup-) photoassimilation.

A problem often encountered when assaying mesophyll cell isolates prepared from mature soybean leaves, was that of poor reproducibility in rates of net 14CO2 photoassimilation and NO2− photoreduction. It was known that soybean source leaves repeatedly displayed their most active net CO2 photoassimilation in the period from attainment of maximal leaf area to approximately two to five days subsequent to that point. Advantage was taken of the fact that when soybean leaflets of each leaf reach their maximal area they also have reached their maximal leaf length from base to tip. This facilitates a more rapid determination of the point in time in which leaflet areas had reached Amax. Soybean plants (Glycine max cv. Williams) were propagated in the growth chamber with a 12 h light-12 h dark cycle, 25δC, 65% RH, and 700 microeinsteins per meter squared per second. At 24 d post-emergence, the third leaf (numbered acropetally from the unifoliates) of each plant had just attained maximum leaflet areas (≈110 cm2) and lengths (≈13 cm). For this study, leaf mesophyll cells were enzymatically isolated, using commercially prepared pectinase, from leaflet sets of leaves selected from each of the second, third, and fourth leaf positions. Maximal rates of net 14CO2 photoassimilation (with 5 mM HCO3−) for the second, third and fourth leaf (leaflet) isolates were, respectively, 27.0, 57.0, and 41.7 μmol 14CO2 assimilated per milligram chlorophyll per hour; simultaneously maximal rates of NOinf2sup−photoreduction (1 mM NOinf2sup−) were, respectively, 4.4, 8.1, and 0.0 μmol NOinf2sup−reduced per milligram chlorophyll per hour. These studies made it clear that in order repeatedly to attain reproducible maximal rates of leaf cell isolate net 14CO2 photoassimilation and NOinf2sup−photoreduction, it always was necessary to select the newest, fully expanded leaves (e.g. leaf number 3) for cell isolation. Leaves from several plants only were pooled if they were excised from identically the same node on each of the plants.
Vitamin D and citrate synthesis.

Abstract Citrate synthesis from acetate and oxalacetate by rachitic and control rat tissue slices has been determined. No difference between kidney, liver, heart and gut was observed. Evidence for a vitamin D effect in cartilage was obtained. In comparison to controls, the rachitic tissue exhibited a general depression of citrate metabolism manifested by less endogenous citrate, which was utilized more slowly, and a diminished ability to synthesize citrate from its precursors.
Melovinone, an open chain analogue of melochinone from Melochia tomentosa

Abstract Melovinone, a new alkaloid isolated from the roots of Melochia tomentosa has been characterized as 3,7,8-trimethoxy-2-methyl-5(5′-phenylpentyl)-4-quinolinone.
Evidence of Vanadium Toxicity Resulting from the Use of Certain Commercial Phosphorus Supplements in Chick Rations

Abstract NEW sources of nutrients are continually becoming available for use manufacturing poultry feeds. Tricalcium phosphate produced by a new supplier was recently delivered to our Experiment Station after competitive bids were submitted to fill an order. Use of this material in various types of rations resulted in chicks growth data which were not similar to those obtained with previously used supplements. When using this product in experiments designed to study the value of fish meals and meat meals in broiler rations, it was found that these animal protein materials promoted growth responses greater than had previously been obtained. This report presents results of studies conducted to compare six different commercial phosphorus supplements as ingredients in chick diets. PROCEDURE Day old, sexed, broiler type chicks from a commercial hatchery were randomly distributed into 72 groups containing five males and five females. The groups were brooded in units of electrically heated battery…
Seawater inflow through the madreporite and internal body regions of a starfish (Leptasterias hexactis) as demonstrated with fluorescent microbeads

Since the tube feet of starfish can continue to function by osmotic inflation after being separated from the madreporite, doubt has been raised in recent years that this organ is significant for keeping fluid balance. To clarify this question, small specimens of Leptasterias hexactis were exposed to a suspension of fine fluorescent beads for 48 hr and then studied as cryostatic sections under UV light. Abundant beads were found in tube feet and ampullae, clearly showing that madreporite uptake does help sustain their activity under normal circumstances. Even larger accumulations of beads were located in Tiedemann's bodies, indicating that they filter high-pressure water from the stone canal to generate perivisceral coelomic fluid. Since beads were found only in the upper axial sinus, near madreporitic pores and an opening to the stone canal, perihemal fluid is probably drawn up the axial sinus into the low-pressure end of the stone canal where it is mixed with incoming seawater and recirculated. In addition to contributing to tube feet inflation, these flows probably form part of a previously unrecognized pattern of fluid replenishment, purification, and circulation in starfish involving the stone canal, Tiedemann's bodies, perivisceral coelom, and distal perihemal spaces and return via the axial sinus.
Use of the diaminobenzoic acid fluorescence assay in conjunction with uv absorbance as a means of quantifying and ascertaining the purity of a DNA preparation

In the course of a study conducted to determine the correlation between covalently bound DNA-ethyl adducts and specific locus mutation induction in maize (W. E. Schy and M. J. Plewa Mutat. Res., 211, 231-241), it was necessary to accurately quantify and ascertain the purity of small amounts of DNA isolated from germinating maize kernels. DNA was purified from leaf primordial tissue that was dissected from germinating maize kernels and quantified by measuring its absorbance at 260 nm. Its absorbance at 260 nm relative to its absorbance at 280 nm (A260/A280 ratio) fell within the range of values that indicated a pure preparation. An attempt to verify the quantity of DNA using a second independent method specific for DNA, the diaminobenzoic acid dihydrochloride fluorescence assay, revealed a significant discrepancy between the two methods. The difference appeared to result from impurities present within the DNA preparation, despite a A260/A280 ratio that indicated otherwise. We found the A260/A280 ratio to be a poor indicator of the purity of DNA preparations, and determined that significant error may result from quantifying DNA using spectrophotometric methods alone. We propose as an alternative, quantifying DNA using the diaminobenzoic acid dihydrochloride assay in conjunction with uv absorbance at 260 nm and using a FLUOR/A260 ratio as an indicator of DNA purity.
Development of monoenergetic electron beam sources for radiation-instrument calibration☆

Abstract Accelerator-produced electron beams are being studied for use in obtaining the response of beta-particle dosimetry instrumenta- tion as a function of electron energy. The NBS 4 MV Van de Graaff and 500 kV cascaded rectifier accelerators are being used to generate electron beams from 200 keV to 2.5 MeV. A device capable of scanning the electron beam in two dimensions over an area large enough to cover radiation-survey instruments uniformly is attached to the beam-handling system of each accelerator. The scanned beam exits from vacuum through a 16 cm2 window consisting of either 25 μm Kapton (for energies below 500 keV) or 100 μm aluminum. The electron beams produced have been characterized in terms of (1) spatial distribution, (2) energy spectrum, and (3) absorbed dose to plastic. Spatial distributions were determined using film, while spectra were measured using a 5 mm-deep Si surface barrier detector. An extrapolation chamber is being used for beam standardization in terms of absorbed dose to plastic.
Isotope, pulse-chase, stopped-flow, and rapid quench studies on the kinetic mechanism of bovine dihydropteridine reductase.

The kinetics of the reduction of quinonoid 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6, 7-dimethyldihydropteridine (DMPH2) catalyzed by bovine liver dihydropteridine reductase were examined with NADH, (S)-NADD, (S)-NADT, and [3H]-NADH as substrates. No significant deuterium isotope effect was observed on either Km or Vm, indicating that hydrogen transfer is not a major rate-limiting step of the reaction. Tritium from (S)-NADT is transferred to an exchangeable position of the pteridine product without significant isotopic discrimination. The ratio of tritium released into solvent to NAD+ produced is approximately 1.0 in the steady state as well as in the first enzyme turnover as determined by pulse-chase experiments. Pulse-chase methods also showed that the binary complex E.NADH is fully functional and can be completely converted to products prior to NADH dissociation in the presence of saturating DMPH2. The concentration of DMPH2 giving half-maximal trapping of E.NADH is identical with its Km as determined by steady-state kinetics. Stopped-flow kinetic measurements gave no evidence for a burst of NADH utilization. This was further demonstrated by rapid quench experiments which demonstrated a pre-steady-state rate nearly identical with that of the steady state. The above results are consistent with nonequilibrium ordered binding of substrates and with a rate-limiting isomerization in the ternary complex which precedes hydrogen transfer.
A Mixed-Mode Crack Analysis of Isotropic Solids Using Conservation Laws of Elasticity

A simple and convenient method of analysis for studying two-dimensional mixed-mode crack problems is presented. The analysis is formulated on the basis of conservation laws of elasticity and of fundamental relationships in fracture mechanics. The problem is reduced to the determination of mixed-mode stress-intensity factor solutions in terms of conservation integrals involving known auxiliary solutions. One of the salient features of the present analysis is that the stress-intensity solutions can be determined directly by using information extracted in the far field. Several examples with solutions available in the literature are solved to examine the accuracy and other characteristics of the current approach. This method is demonstrated to be superior in its numerical simplicity and computational efficiency to other approaches. Solutions of more complicated and practical engineering fracture problems dealing with the crack emanating from a circular hole are presented also to illustrate the capacity of this method
Antibodies to β2-microglobulin, the light-chain component of class I histocompatibility molecules, provide an activation signal to human lymphocytes

Antibodies to beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m), the light-chain component of class I histocompatibility antigens, provide a strong co-stimulatory signal to human lymphocytes in the presence of phorbol ester. This activation signal requires a high concentration of antibody, whereas the effect on responses to a mitogenic lectin is exclusively inhibitory over a broad dose range. A rabbit polyclonal and a mouse monoclonal antibody to beta 2m were similarly co-stimulatory. Antibody to beta 2m was co-stimulatory with phorbol ester, but not calcium ionophore, suggesting that class I antigens play a role in the initiation of the 'first' signal of a recently described two-signal model of lymphocyte activation.
Effectiveness of problem-based learning curricula: research and theory.

ABSTRACTPurposeThis article provides a critical overview of problem-based learning (PBL), its effectiveness for knowledge acquisition and clinical performance, and the underlying educational theory. The focus of the paper is on (1) the credibility of claims (both empirical and theoretical) about the
Identification of the increased expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, cathepsin S, UPIX-1, and other genes in dystrophin-deficient mouse muscles by suppression subtractive hybridization.

The lack of dystrophin results in muscular dystrophy characterized by degeneration, inflammation, and partial regeneration of skeletal muscles. The fate of these muscles may be determined by the extent of adaptation to the defect and the efficiency of regeneration that is affected by inflammatory cells. We have used suppression subtractive hybridization and quantitative Northern blot analysis to identify differentially expressed genes. Increased expression of murine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (JE/MCP-1), cathepsin S, UPIX-1, nmb, cathepsin B, and lysozyme M mRNAs were identified in 2-month-old mdx mouse leg muscles. UPIX-1 is a novel gene. Although it was not expressed in control muscles, it was expressed in control brain, heart, and spleen. JE/MCP-1 and cathepsin S proteins in mdx muscles, as well as JE/MCP-1 protein in the serum of mdx mice were also detected. JE/MCP-1 may be responsible for attraction of inflammatory cells, and cathepsin S, a potent elastolytic protease, may contribute to the remodeling of the extracellular matrix that is required for the migration of these cells to the injured muscles. J. Cell. Biochem. 79:164–172, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Effect of Rate of Flow on Rate of Dyeing II–The Mechanism of Fluid Flow through Textiles and its Significance in Dyeing

It is suggested that, in spite of its well–known limitations (/), the Kozeny–Carman equation can provide a reasonably satisfactory description of the major features of fluid flow through textile materials, provided that the fluid flow is streamline and that the permeability of the yarns themselves is taken into account. Equations are presented that enable an estimate to be made of the amount of the fluid flow that passes through the yarns, as opposed to passing around them, and these equations are shown to provide a satisfactory description of the variation of the permeability of cross–wound cotton–yarn packages with package density. The consequences of the proposed mechanism of fluid flow are discussed briefly, in so far as they are relevant to dyeing.
EEG biofeedback: Physiological behavior modification

The author reviews the use of operant conditioning to alter electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns. A discrete rhythmic EEG pattern directly related to modulation of motor patterns (sensorimotor rhythm, SMR) was brought under voluntary control in the cat. This technique was modified for use in epileptic human volunteers in order to reduce motor seizures. The use of a newer experimental design and its successful application in one subject is described.
Preference construction and preference stability: Putting the pillow to rest

Abstract We advocate a different approach to the important questions that Simonson raises regarding preference construction. First, we argue that existing literature both acknowledges and addresses preference stability. In particular, we show that stable preferences are not incompatible with theories of preference construction. We note that construction can influence experienced utility as well as prediction of preference and argue that a careful analysis of stability must allow for contextual influences in both these domains. Finally, we note that Simonson's notion of ‘inherent' preferences is unclear, and we argue that a better way to take up this important challenge is through existing literatures providing insights into conditions leading to preference stability.
Chemical inhibition of fire-prone grasses by fire-sensitive shrub, Conradina canescens

In an investigation of potential chemical activity of fire-sensitive shrubs in Florida's sand pine scrub community, bioassays of foliar washes ofConradina canescens showed significant inhibitory activity on three native grasses that are known to fuel frequent surface fires; inhibition was concentrated seasonally in spring and summer. Application of runoff fromConradina leaves to one of the grasses caused a 50% reduction in growth over a 20-week period. Isolation of the biologically active fractions from the fresh leaves ofC. canescens yielded numerous monoterpenes, a number of which were identified from a GC-MS reference library and/or MS comparison to authentic compounds: 11 from the diethyl ether extract, 11 from steam distillation, and four from the foliar leaf wash. Numerous other monoterpenes present in the extractions were unknown. The terpenoid fraction completely inhibited seed germination of one of the native grasses and of lettuce. Saturated aqueous solutions of nine of the monoterpenes inhibited germination and radicle growth of two native grasses. SEM views of the leaf surfaces ofConradina reveal secretory trichomes that appear to be the source of the monoterpenes as well as the triterpene, ursolic acid. The biological activity ofC. canescens as a fire-sensitive component of the scrub community is reviewed in light of the chemical evidence.
Urbanization and Historical Change in China

Historians used to believe that the Chinese imperial state was powerful enough to extend direct control over the lives of all its people, taxing them unmercifully and bending them by force to its will. We now know that in fact the Qing bureaucracy that ruled China from 1644 until 191 1 was a relatively weak extractive and coercive organization, at least during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.' This discovery has encouraged scholars to turn their attention away from the Chinese court and provincial administration, and down toward the local level, where the vision of a unified polity gives way rapidly to a highly varied landscape of local cultures and peoples. As they discarded old conceptions of a monolithic, authoritarian state, China scholars in the United States began turning to other paradigms and metaphors to analyze and describe China's presocialist society. Specifically, they began looking beyond the formal structures of governmental authority to other patterns of action and thought in modern Chinese history. One of the
Butoh: a bibliography of Japanese avant‐garde dance

Purpose – This article's aim is to provide an annotated bibliographic resource guide for scholars researching butoh and academic and research libraries with collection development areas specializing in modern dance and/or Asian studies. Butoh is a Japanese avant‐garde dance form developed in 1959 as a reaction against Western influence in Japanese politics and culture. Butoh's founders, Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno, have created a dance movement that is growing in popularity in the USA, influencing psychology, fashion, music, art and architecture.Design/methodology/approach – Searches were performed using a variety of databases, catalogs and online sources in dance and videos were reviewed at the New York Public Library of Performing Arts.Findings – Unlike most modern dance forms, butoh does not have a specific technique that can be passed down from teacher to student, yet it has characteristics (e.g. extremely slow movements) that create the butoh “look”. Butoh collections are fairly small, which will...
Growth of longitudinal matrix damage in unidirectional composites

Abstract An analytical model is developed to predict fracture behavior of unidirectional composite laminates with a transverse crack and longitudinal matrix damage. Consistent shear-lag theory is used in the stress-displacement expressions. The resulting system of differential equations is solved using an eigenvalue technique. Two types of composite elements are used in the model; homogeneous elements with smeared laminate properties and heterogeneous elements of constituent fiber and matrix properties. Model predictions for longitudinal split initiation and split growth are obtained to correlate with the available experimental data gathered from test specimens with simulated transverse cracks. Results show that the consistent shear-lag model accurately predicts split initiation. The model also predicts two regions of split growth. The first region is characterized by slow split growth due to a tension failure mode. The second region is attributed to a shear failure mode resulting in rapid split growth.
Gel Forming Additive Effects on Properties of Thermally Induced Minced Fish Gel

Water-binding capacity (WBC) and hardness of minced chum salmon flesh decreased after 3 mo frozen storage. Additives with phosphate, carrageenan, soy protein isolate increased the WBC of fresh and frozen minced chum salmon flesh, and the texture profile analysis (TPA) hardness of the thermally-induced myofibrillar protein gels of salmon flesh. TPA hardness was a useful index for characterizing sensory hardness of the cooked minced products. The observation of gel structure by scanning electron microscope showed additives modified the microstructure of fish myofibrillar protein gel and the ability of the gel network to bind water, thus resulting in minced flesh with different WBC and gelling ability.
Phase I study of fludarabine (2-fluoro-ara-AMP).

Abstract Fludarabine phosphate is a derivative of adenosine arabinoside. The compound is an antimetabolite which resists deamination by the addition of a phosphate moiety. A phase I trial was conducted and showed the safe dose to good-risk patients to be 20 mg/m 2 in 125 mol of 5% dextrose given over 30 min every 12 hr for 6 doses. The cycle can be repeated every 21 days . The major side-effect is myelosuppression, which can be severe at higher doses.
Separating application code from toolkits: eliminating the spaghetti of call-backs

Conventional toolkits today require the programmer to attach call-back procedures to most buttons, scroll bars, menu items, and other widgets in the interface. These procedures are called by the system when the user operates the widget in order to notify the application of the user’s actions. Unfortunately, real interfaces contain hundreds or thousands of widgets, and therefore many call-back procedures, most of which perform trivial tasks, resulting in a maintenance nightmare. This paper describes a system that allows the majority of these procedures to be eliminated. The user interface designer can specify by demonstration many of the desired actions and connections among the widgets, so call-backs are only needed for the most significant application actions. In addition, the callbacks that remain are completely insulated from the widgets, so that the application code is better separated from the user interface.