cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on Cytokinin-Controlled Bud Formation in Moss Protonemata

Application of cytokinins to moss protonemata of the proper physiological age causes bud formation on specific cells (caulonema). During the early stages of their development, buds revert to protonemal filaments if the cytokinin has been removed by washing the protonemata. This indicates that the hormone is not acting as a "trigger" but has to be present during a critical period of time until differentiation is stabilized. Autoradiographs of protonemata treated with a labeled cytokinin, benzyladenine-benzyl-7-(14)C, show a striking accumulation of the radioactivity in caulonema cells which are in the stage of bud formation, and in the buds themselves. Cells which did not react to the hormone contained very little radioactivity. The accumulation of benzyladenine in the "target cells" may be due to the presence of binding sites which, in turn, may distinguish responding cells from non-responding ones.
Design of an Instrumented Lathe Tool Post for Vibration Monitoring Studies

The research presented here details the development of an instrumented lathe tool post which has potential use in conducting a wide range of vibration monitoring studies, including condition-based maintenance or prognostic health management. The system developed allows for the modular mounting of instruments in differing configurations on an industry-standard tool post, which was developed in collaboration with a first-year graduate class in sensors and signals at the Colorado School of Mines. Data acquisition and the development of an interactive data analysis tool used for post-processing is discussed using results from a case study obtained by turning 304 stainless steel on a shop lathe. It is shown that chatter can be detected using a novel bi-level FFT approach at low computational cost. Potential future applications for the developed system are introduced, including real-time tool condition analysis and the development of a fully instrumented machine shop.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Adrenergic inhibition of uterine contractions and oviposition in the lizard Anolis carolinensis.

Abstract Injection of arginine vasotocin (AVT), which induces oviposition in several lizard species, fails to do so in Anolis carolinensis . We tested the hypothesis that epinephrine-induced activation of β-adrenoreceptors in the uterus inhibits AVT action on uterine smooth muscle. Pretreatment of gravid females with the β-adrenoreceptor antagonist dichloroisoproterenol 15 min before an AVT injection resulted in uterine sensitivity to AVT and subsequent oviposition. Furthermore, in vitro tests indicated that epinephrine as well as a β-adrenoreceptor agonist (isoproterenol) inhibit uterine tonic and rhythmic contractions that normally follow exposure to AVT. These results suggest that stress-induced secretion of epinephrine can act as a short-term inhibitor of oviposition in this species.
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, prospective study evaluating the tolerability and effectiveness of imiquimod applied to postsurgical excisions on scar cosmesis.

Background. It has been reported that topical application of imiquimod 5% cream induces interferon-α, an antifibrotic cytokine. Objective. To determine the tolerability and effectiveness on the cosmetic outcome of the application of imiquimod to postsurgical excision sites. Materials and Methods. A prospective, double-blinded, randomized, vehicle-controlled trial was conducted among 20 patients with two skin lesions clinically diagnosed as melanocytic nevi. Imiquimod 5% cream was applied to one of the sutured surgical wounds starting the night of the excision nightly for a period of 4 weeks. The second sutured excision site was treated with vehicle cream. Scar cosmesis, erythema, pigmentary alterations, induration, tenderness, and pain were assessed using a visual analogue scale 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery. Results. Eighteen subjects completed the study, with a total of 36 excision sites; no wound site dehisced, and no signs of infection were noted. Surgical wounds treated with imiquimod had more erythema, pigmentary alterations, and lower cosmesis rated by the investigator compared with wounds treated with placebo, both becoming nonsignificant in further evaluations. For pigmentary alterations, induration, and cosmesis rated by the patients, no statistically significant difference between treatment groups was observed at week 8. Conclusion. Treatment of surgical excision-site wounds with imiquimod was well tolerated and without serious adverse events. Evaluations for cosmesis of placebo-treated surgical sites were better than imiquimod-treated sites at week 8, becoming nonsignificant later. DR. BERMAN IS A CONSULTANT AND ON THE SPEAKERS BUREAU FOR 3M PHARMACEUTICALS, WHICH SUPPLIED THE MATERIALS USED IN THIS STUDY. THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI-Miller SCHOOL OF MEDICINE RECEIVED STUDY SPONSORSHIP FUNDING FROM 3M PHARMACEUTICALS.
The energetics of kinks in polyethylene

The energetics of kinks in polyethylene have been investigated by means of conformational energy calculations on crystalline arrays of C14H30, C18H38, and C22H46. All of the parameters required for assessment of relaxation effects by site theory were calculated including the static defect energies, barriers to defect reorientation, and site strains. Up to two deformable coordination shells in the surrounding lattice were included. In the energy minimization calculations, all molecular internal degrees of freedom were allowed to participate. The effects of chain mismatch along the C axis at large distances from the defect were calculated from a continuum theory. The static defect energy is calculated to be 6.6 kcal/mole for C14H30, and the barrier for reorientation of right-handed to left-handed kinks is 10 kcal/mole. The barrier to “unkinking” to the nondefect state is 2 kcal/mole. The strain induced by the defect is largely a shear in the {0 0 1} plane in the 〈1 1 0〉 direction. It is concluded that although the barrier to reorientation is consistent with kink reorientation contributing to the γ process the predicted intensity rules out any but a very weak contribution to the total process.
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: the state of the art

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a potentially curative procedure for a variety of hematologic malignancies. The field has evolved substantially over the past decade, with advances in patient and donor selection, stem cell sources, supportive care, prevention of complications and reduced-toxicity preparative regimens. As a result, the indications for HCT and the pool of eligible patients have expanded significantly. In this article, we provide an overview of the major aspects of allogeneic HCT, and focus specifically on areas of active research and on novel approaches to challenges in the field. Specifically, we will discuss approaches to reduce the toxicity of the preparative regimen, with the goal of increasing the safety and applicability of HCT. The availability of suitable donors may be an obstacle to wider application of HCT. We review three major approaches to broadening the donor pool: the use of HLA-mismatched unrelated donors, umbilical cord blood and HLA-haploidentical family donors. Graft-versus-host disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after HCT. We review recent advances in the understanding of this phenomenon, and novel prophylactic and therapeutic approaches that hold the promise of further improving the safety of the procedure. We conclude with a speculative outline of the next 5 years of research in the field of HCT.
Sorption of isoxaflutole by five different soils varying in physical and chemical properties

Isoxaflutole is a new pre-emergence corn herbicide which controls both grass and broadleaf weeds. Experiments were performed in the laboratory to study the sorption of isoxaflutole in five different soils (Moorhead, MN; East Monroe, CO; Ellendale, MN; South Deerfield, MA; and Chelsea, MI) using the batch equilibration technique. Total initial isoxaflutole solution concentrations for each soil were 0.05, 0.15, 0.3. 0.8, 1.5, 2.0 and 4.0 mg litre−1. Analysis of [ring-14C] isoxaflutole was performed using liquid scintillation counting, and sorption data were fitted with the Freundlich model. Isotherms of isoxaflutole in all the soils were non-linear as depicted by the exponent (n Moorhead, MN > East Monroe, CO > South Deerfield, MA > Ellendale, MN. The negative magnitude of Gibbs free energy of sorption (ΔG x) indicates the spontaneity of the given sorption process in the soils from Moorhead, MN; East Monroe, CO and Chelsea, MI. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry
Numerical solution and sensitivity analysis of filter cake permeability and resistance to model parameters

The migration and capture of solid particles in porous media occur in fields as diverse as water and wastewater treatment, well drilling, and in various liquid-solid separation processes. Filter cakes are formed when a liquid containing solid particles is forced through a pervious surface which allows the liquid transport while retaining solid particles. Following a literature survey, a governing equation for the cake thickness is obtained by considering the instantaneous mass balance. Later, numerical solutions for the cake thickness, cake permeability, cake resistance, solid particle velocity (cake compression rate) and concentration of suspended particles are obtained and a sensitivity analysis is conducted. The sensitivity analysis shows that the cake permeability and cake resistance are more sensitive to the rate constant of cake erosion than they are to the rate constant of particle capture. However, the concentration of suspended solid particles, and the solid velocity are mostly sensitive to the slurry parameter and the rate constant of particle trapping. Moreover, cake permeability, compressibility, concentration of suspended particles, and the solid velocity are very sensitive to the concentration at the filter septum. Finally, as expected, with a thicker slurry, more particles are captured inside the cake, thus forming a thicker and more resistant cake. Also, as more particles are being filtered at the filter septum, a thinner cake is formed and a smaller effluent concentration is achieved.
Effect of Cations in Infrared and Computational Analysis of Vanadium-Containing Six-Coordinate Oxotungstates

Complex salts of VW5O193-, cis-V2W4O19,4-, and W6O192- anions have been investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory computational methods. The intensities of the infrared absorption bands commonly used to identify the bridge and terminal oxygen atoms in these hexametalate systems were found to depend drastically on the nature of the countercation and presence of water in the salts. Theoretical investigations suggest that the anions alone may not show significant absorption in the region commonly assigned to the M−Ot vibrations (subscripts t and b denote terminal and bridged oxygen atoms, respectively). At the same time, the addition of even a single molecule of water or tetraalkylammonium into the calculation results in almost quantitative agreement between the theoretical and experimental spectra. The presence of vanadium has a profound effect both on M−Ot and on M−Ob−M vibrations.
Alpha alumina transformation in seeded boehmite gels

Abstract The kinetics and surface area changes during the γ to α-Al 2 O 3 transformation sequence of an α-Al 2 O 3 seeded boehmite sol-gel are compared to an unseeded boehmite sol gel. The seeded gels exhibited increased kinetics, however the activation energy for the γ to α-Al 3 O 3 transformation was lowered only 17% indicating the α-Al 2 O 3 transformation is growth controlled. Transmission electron microscopy showed that each α-Al 2 O 3 seed acts as a multiple nucleation site for the θ to α-Al 2 O 3 transformation. The higher surface area of the seeded boehmite results from the prevention of vermicular microstructure development. Thus, by seeding boehmite sol gels with α-Al 2 O 3 the growth process during transformation to α-Al 2 O 3 is controlled resulting in a fine, uniform microstructure which sinters at significantly lower temperatures.
Responsive paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI contrast agents

"The ability of PARACEST agents to provide molecular-level information has great potential to predict therapeutic effects before initiating the therapy and earlier assessments of therapeutic effects soon after initiating therapy, in order to contribute to personalized medicine in the clinic."
Low pO2 and β-Estradiol Induce VEGF in MCF-7 and MCF-7-5C Cells: Relationship to in vivo Hypoxia

Previous work from this laboratory demonstrated that MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells grown in nude mice contained minimal hypoxia but that tamoxifen treatment of these tumors resulted in increased hypoxia (Evans S. et al., Cancer Research, 1997). These findings led to studies exploring the link between estrogen signaling and tumor oxygenation and determining the role of VEGF in this process. The stimulation of estrogen-dependent MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells in vitro with β-estradiol resulted in a two-fold induction of VEGF mRNA and 1.3–2-fold increase in protein, similar to what was observed when these cells were exposed to 0.1% oxygen. Furthermore, the two stimuli given together had an additive effect on (increasing) VEGF expression, suggesting that the combination of hypoxia and estrogen may be important in upregulating VEGF in some breast cancers. Estrogen-independent MCF-7-5C cells, developed by growing MCF-7 cells in long-term culture in estrogen-free media, were also studied. Using EF5, a fluorinated 2-nitroimidazole which localizes to hypoxic cells, MCF-7-5C tumors grown in nude mice were found to contain lower pO2 levels and more hypoxic regions than similarly grown MCF-7 tumors. We tested the hypothesis that this might be the result of defective expression of VEGF in MCF-7-5C cells in response to β-estradiol and/or hypoxia. However, MCF-7-5C and MCF-7 cells showed a similar induction of VEGF in vitro in response to either β-estradiol or hypoxia. Therefore, although these two cell lines grown as tumors have substantial differences in the presence and patterns of hypoxia, this could not be explained by a difference in VEGF induction.
THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF BOVINE FIBRINOGEN, PROTHROMBIN, AND ALBUMIN IN A CELL-FREE SYSTEM*

Preparative amounts of poly A-containing mRNA were isolated from bovine liver. In the presence of a cell-free system from rabbit reticulocytes, this mRNA stimulated the synthesis of a number of plasma proteins including albumin, fibrinogen, prothrombin, and antithrombin III. Automatic Edman degradation of immunoprecipitated albumin showed that this protein was synthesized as preproalbumin containing an NH2-terminal extension of 18 amino acid residues. Prothrombin is also synthesized as a precursor (preprothrombin), and the signal sequence for this protein is also rich in hydrophobic amino acids. The three chains of fibrinogen are synthesized from individual mRNAs, which are then linked by disulfide bonds to form the mature protein.
Micromechanical thermal deformation analysis of unidirectional boron/aluminum metal-matrix composite

Abstract An experiment was conducted to document thermal deformation of a unidirectionally reinforced boron/aluminum metal-matrix composite. The specimen was subject to an isothermal loading of ΔT = − 100 ° C and the deformation on a free surface perpendicular to the fibers was measured by microscopic moire interferometry. The high sensitivity and spatial resolution made it possible to elucidate the micromechanical behavior of the specimen at the fiber level. Multiplied moire fringe patterns with a contour interval of 35 nm/fringe contour were obtained for a hexagonal array of fibers and a square array of fibers. The stress-induced strains were determined from the fringe patterns by subtracting the free thermal contraction strains. The results revealed a free surface effect and showed asymmetrical and irregular strain distributions inherent in real (non-idealized) composite materials.
Self-Assembly of the Bacterial Cytoskeleton-Associated RNA Helicase B Protein into Polymeric Filamentous Structures

The Escherichia coli RNA degradosome proteins are organized into a helical cytoskeletal-like structure within the cell. Here we describe the ATP-dependent assembly of the RhlB component of the degradosome into polymeric filamentous structures in vitro, which suggests that extended polymers of RhlB are likely to comprise a basic core element of the degradosome cytoskeletal structures.
Separation of yttrium, holmium, and erbium with di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid in chloride and nitrate systems☆

Abstract Distribution coefficients as a function of acidity have been determined for Y, Ho, and Er in the system YCl3HoCl3ErCl3HClH2OD2EHPA-Amsco and Y(NO3)3Ho(NO3)3Er(NO3)3HNO3H2OD2EHPA-Amsco. In both systems the distribution coefficients are shown to go through minimum values at certain acidities. Separation factors tend to decrease at the higher acidities with the exception of the Er/Y separation factor in the chloride system, which shows a significant increase. The result has been used to demonstrate a separation of Y from Ho and Er employing extraction chromatography and elution at different acidities.
Do Borrowers Make Rational Choices on Points and Refinancing

Utilizing individual mortgage data, we find that borrowers with points are less likely to refinance, and when they do, they take longer to refinance. This finding supports the separating equilibrium prediction of earlier studies that borrowers with higher (lower) refinancing costs self-select into mortgages with higher-point/lower-rate (lower-point/higher-rate) loans.
General Sine Condition for Plane-Symmetric Imaging Systems and Some Example Aplanatic Designs

General sine condition for plane-symmetric imaging system has been derived before. Here we present some special types of plane-symmetric aplanatic imaging systems to show the effectiveness of the condition.
Static and Dynamic Delamination of Foam Core Sandwich Members

Delaminationofsandwichcolumnsisstudiedusingsimplecohesivelayermodels,onewitha finitethicknessandthe other with zero initial thickness, designated, respectively, as user supplied material and user supplied element models. The latter model predicts accurately the test results of delamination of a facing sheet of a sandwich member and is seen to be more accurate than the former which predicts an earlier termination of crack growth. The user supplied elements model is applied to sandwich columns under compression. Both static and dynamic delamination problems are studied. The static problem involves monotonically increasing end-shortening, whereas the dynamic delaminationisstudiedunderconstantend-shorteningwithdelaminationssuddenlytriggered.Itisseenthatforendshortening values close to that causing delamination buckling in the static case, the dynamic delamination is abrupt and total. Two typical cases of sandwich columns, one relatively stout and the other somewhat slender, are studied and they offer interesting contrasts with the corresponding static behavior. Nomenclature d = depth of specimen E2 = transverse Young’s modulus of the cohesive layer Ex, Ey, Ez = longitudinal, transverse, out-of-plane Young’s moduli, respectively
Some developmental and attentional biases in the contrast enhancement and short term memory of recurrent neural networks

This paper studies the global dynamics of neurons, or neuron populations, in a recurrent on-center off-surround anatomy undergoing nonlinear shunting interactions. In such an anatomy, a given population excites itself and inhibits other populations. The interactions are defined by multiplicative mass action laws. Grossberg (1973) studied the case in which all populations have the same weight (or total number of unit cell sites). Here the effect of an arbitrary distribution of population weights is studied; each set of populations with equal weight is called a subfield. Possible causes of variable population weights are developmental biases (e.g., which feature detectors are represented in a field), attentional changes (e.g., which features are relevant at any time), and statistical errors in network design. Such factors can bias the total field towards accentuating or suppressing in short-term memory a given subfield of sensory features. In particular, a mechanism is noted for suppressing the activity of populations whose trigger features are infrequently experienced by the network. These variables interact with the recurrent on-center off-surround interactions, that have previously been shown capable of contrast enhancing significant input information, sustaining this information in short-term memory, adapting the field's total activity while producing multistable equilibrium points of this activity, suppressing noise, and preventing saturation of population response even to input patterns whose intensities are high.
Direct Measurements of the Gradual Extreme Ultraviolet Emission from Large Solar Flares

Broadband sensors aboard the Naval Research Laboratory's SOLRAD 11 satellites measured solar emission in the 0.5 to 3 A, 1 to 8 A, 8 to 20 A, 100 to 500 A, 500 to 800 A, and 700 to 1030 A bands. Data from sixteen large flares show that the EUV emission is dominated by gradual emission which parallels the soft X-ray emission in duration and magnitude. The data are consistent with the separation of EUV and X-ray flare emission into two distinct components. A persistent component is made up of gradual EUV and gradual soft X-ray emissions. A brief component consists of hard X-rays, impulsive soft X-rays, and impulsive EUV emission.
Radio Frequency Ablation of Renal Tumors in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose: We retrospectively evaluated the feasibility, safety and outcomes of radio frequency ablation of primary renal tumors to control local disease while preserving renal parenchyma in a series of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma in a single institutional, multidisciplinary setting.Materials and Methods: We evaluated the records of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who underwent percutaneous radio frequency ablation of a primary renal tumor. Patient demographic and disease characteristics, adjunctive medical and surgical therapies, recurrence and clinical outcomes were studied.Results: A total of 15 patients treated between 2002 and 2008 met study inclusion criteria. There was no incomplete ablation or local recurrence. Ten patients had biopsy proven renal cell carcinoma in the ablated renal mass. Eight patients had a solitary metastasis, 3 had metastasis at 2 sites and 4 had 3 or more metastatic sites. Four patients experienced major complications. Median radiographic and cli...
Local and systemic factors affecting renal tissue tension

Summary Renal tissue tension, measured by the wedged renal vein pressure catheter, varies directly with arterial pressure, and inversely with renal vasomotor tone. Changes in renal vascular resistance, caused by alterations in cardiac output, produce changes in renal tissue tension. Decreased tissue tension usually results from a fall in cardiac output and vice versa. Muscular exercise is an exception to this. Decrease in the pressure gradient between the distal afferent arteriolar lumen and the tissue can be produced by a fall in effective driving pressure due to local or systemic hypotension, or to an increase in renal vascular resistance. Decrease in this pressure gradient can be produced by an increase in tissue pressure from renal compression, ureteral obstruction or renal vein stenosis. This decrease in pressure gradient appears to act as a stimulus for renin release, and as a cause of alteration of distribution of blood flow through the kidney, resulting in altered tubular resorption of solute and water.
Lung Tumors in Hamsters Produced by Polyoma Virus

SummaryPolyoma virus given intranasally produced primary lung tumors in hamsters. Some animals showed visceral involvement. Growths were largely fibrosarcomatous. Hamsters injected by other routes showed almost no lung neoplasia.
Clinical response to neoadjuvant docetaxel predicts improved outcome in patients with large locally advanced breast cancers

In the adjuvant setting, taxanes modestly improve clinical outcome and survival. The goal of the present study was to define the efficacy of neoadjuvant docetaxel in treatment-naive large, locally advanced breast cancers and to better understand docetaxel’s mechanism of action by evaluating biomarker modulation in response to treatment. Fifty-one patients were enrolled. Patients received four cycles of docetaxel (100 mg/m2 q3weeks) followed by surgery and four cycles of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (60/600 mg/m2 q3weeks). Radiation and hormonal therapy were given if clinically indicated. Clinical responses were assessed at completion of neoadjuvant docetaxel. Pathological responses were considered complete (pCR) if no tumor cells were identified in the surgical specimen or near complete (npCR) if only occasional scattered tumor cells were seen. Proliferation (Ki-67) and apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3) were measured by IHC in tissue obtained at baseline and at surgery. The median tumor size was 9 cm (range 4–30 cm). Objective response rate was 75% with clinical complete response in 27%, partial response in 48%, and stable disease in 25% of the patients. pCR/npCR was reported in 20% of patients. With a median follow up of 28 months, 98 and 78% of the patients were alive at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Overall survival at 24 months was significantly better in patients who achieved a clinical response, 85 versus 51%, p=0.008, but pCR/npCR was not a significant predictor of outcome. Apoptosis was induced in clinical responders (p=0.002), while the proliferation index did not change significantly. In patients who had no clinical response to docetaxel, neither apoptosis nor proliferation changed significantly. Neoadjuvant single agent docetaxel is effective in treating patients with large locally advanced breast cancer and clinical response is associated with improved survival. Docetaxel acts therapeutically by inducing apoptosis and this can be used as a marker of response.
Corpus Cavernosum Electromyography Revisited: Defining the Origin of the Signal

Purpose: We performed this study to identify the source of complexes recorded during corpus cavernosum electromyography.Materials and Methods: A total of 10 healthy male volunteers 19 to 54 years old (mean age 36) with normal erectile function, participated in the study. A Porti electrodiagnostic system (TMS International, Enschede, The Netherlands) connected to a notebook computer recorded low frequency corpus cavernosum electromyography complexes via penile surface electrodes in 3 phases. In phase 1 baseline corpus cavernosum electromyography was recorded for 30 minutes. In phase 2 penile skin block was performed followed by 30 minutes of corpus cavernosum electromyography recording. Phase 3 consisted of intracavernous block followed by corpus cavernosum electromyography recording for 30 minutes. During all 3 phases startling auditory stimuli and median nerve stimulation were used at random intervals to evoke a sympathetic nervous system response. A suprapubic electrode was used as a control to record s...
Urokinase induces expression of its own receptor in Beas2B lung epithelial cells.

Interaction between the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) localizes cellular proteolysis and promotes cellular proliferation and migration. The interaction between uPA and uPAR at the surface of epithelial cells thereby contributes to the pathogenesis of lung inflammation and neoplasia. In this study, we sought to determine if uPA itself alters uPAR expression by lung epithelial cells. uPA enhanced uPAR expression as well as 125I-uPA binding in Beas2B lung epithelial cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The uPA-mediated induction of uPAR is not accomplished through its receptor and requires enzymatic activity. The low molecular weight fragment of uPA, lacking the receptor binding domain, was as potent as intact two-chain uPA in inducing expression of uPAR at the cell surface. Plasmin, the end product of plasminogen activation, did not alter uPA-mediated uPAR expression. Induction of uPAR by uPA represents a novel pathway by which epithelial cells can regulate uPAR-dependent cellular responses that may contribute to stromal remodeling in lung injury or neoplasia.
A cytochrome that can pump sodium ion

Previous studies have shown that the bacterium, Vitreoscilla , generates a respiratory-driven Δψ Na+ . Two major respiratory electron transport proteins, NADH dehydrogenase (NADH:Quinone oxidoreductase), and cytochrome o terminal oxidase are candidates for the electrogenic Na + pumping that mediates the Δψ Na+ formation. The NADH oxidase activity of the membranes was enhanced more by Na + than by Li + . The NADH:Quinone oxidoreductase activity in the respiratory chain was enhanced by Na + and Li + , whereas the quinol oxidase activity of cytochrome o was enhanced specifically by Na + , and not by Li + , K + , or choline. Purified cytochrome o , reconstituted into Na + -loaded liposomes in the right-side-out orientation, catalyzed a net Na + extrusion when energized with Q 1 H 2 1 . In non-loaded inside-out proteoliposomes, this cytochrome catalyzed a net uptake of 22 Na + when energized with ascorbate/TMPD. Both Na + -pumping activities were inhibited by CN − . These results are consistent with the Vitreoscilla cytochrome o being a redox-driven Na + pump.
Computational Investigation of the pH Dependence of Loop Flexibility and Catalytic Function in Glycoside Hydrolases

Cellulase enzymes cleave glycosidic bonds in cellulose to produce cellobiose via either retaining or inverting hydrolysis mechanisms, which are significantly pH-dependent. Many fungal cellulases function optimally at pH ∼5, and their activities decrease dramatically at higher or lower pH. To understand the molecular-level implications of pH in cellulase structure, we use a hybrid, solvent-based, constant pH molecular dynamics method combined with pH-based replica exchange to determine the pKa values of titratable residues of a glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 6 cellobiohydrolase (Cel6A) and a GH family 7 cellobiohydrolase (Cel7A) from the fungus Hypocrea jecorina. For both enzymes, we demonstrate that a bound substrate significantly affects the pKa values of the acid residues at the catalytic center. The calculated pKa values of catalytic residues confirm their proposed roles from structural studies and are consistent with the experimentally measured apparent pKa values. Additionally, GHs are known to impart a strained pucker conformation in carbohydrate substrates in active sites for catalysis, and results from free energy calculations combined with constant pH molecular dynamics suggest that the correct ring pucker is stable near the optimal pH for both Cel6A and Cel7A. Much longer molecular dynamics simulations of Cel6A and Cel7A with fixed protonation states based on the calculated pKa values suggest that pH affects the flexibility of tunnel loops, which likely affects processivity and substrate complexation. Taken together, this work demonstrates several molecular-level effects of pH on GH enzymes important for cellulose turnover in the biosphere and relevant to biomass conversion processes.
Unethical Behavior for Self or Collective Benefit: The Role of Self- Construal

Recent evidence and theory on the effects of individualism- collectivism and self-construal on ethical behavior have been inconsistent, suggesting that interdependent construal may be both positive...
Laser-Induced Fluorescence Measurements of a Turbulent Plume

The laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) measurement technique is discussed in the context of environmental fluid mechanics. The measurement equipment and procedures employed in our laboratory are described in detail. The technique is applied to an isokinetic chemical plume (neutrally buoyant) in a turbulent open channel flow. A nonuniform laser sweep rate is employed to take full advantage of the dynamic range of the digital camera over the entire spatially varying concentration field. Statistical measures of the concentration field, such as the average and variance, are presented and discussed. Comparisons are made with theoretical models and previous experimental observations. The plume width grows at a greater rate in the downstream direction than that predicted by the analytical model of a point source release into a uniform flow. Probability density function distributions do not resemble Gaussian distributions, which reflects the highly intermittent nature of the concentration time record. The current measurements suggest that LIF is a valuable technique for nonintrusively recording the scalar field evolution in turbulent flows.
On the Local and Stratified Likelihood Approaches in Single-Index Hazards Model

We propose the single-index hazards model for censored survival data. As an extension of the Cox model and many transformation models, this model allows nonparametric modeling of covariate effects in a parsimonious way via a single index. In addition, the relative importance of covariates can be assessed via this model. We consider two commonly used profile likelihood methods for parameter estimation: the local profile likelihood method and the stratified profile likelihood method. It is shown that both methods may give consistent estimators under certain restrictive conditions, but in general they can yield biased estimation. Simulation studies are also conducted to demonstrate these bias phenomena. The existence and nature of the failures of these two commonly used approaches is somewhat surprising.
Quenching of solid samples for high temperature equilibrium measurement

The quenching rate required to “freeze-in” high temperature states depends on the resolution attained in the observational technique used and on the kinetics of the property changes that may occur in the sample. For a successful quench, heat must be removed before observable changes occur. Heat loss during travel to the quench bath must be minimized as this lowers the certainty of the quenched-in temperature state, while the heat removal rate after immersion in the quench bath should be maximized. The required quench rate will determine the necessary sample size and quench medium. Quenching has been experimentally evaluated for a propelled “insulating envelope” sample transfer quench device. Results are used to determine optimum conditions for effective quenching. A procedure is established to guide the choice of sample size and quench medium to attain an adequate quenching rate.
The hemolytic plaque assay: theory for finite layers.

Abstract We extend the mathematical theory of hemolytic plaque growth to include plaques produced by cells secreting antibodies in layers of finite thickness. Previous theories have assumed that the layer was either two-dimensional or of infinite thickness. By using the method of images we derive an equation for the plaque radius as a function of time for layers of any thickness. We show that at short times and at long times the equation reduces to the appropriate infinite three-dimensional and two-dimensional limiting forms, and obtain expressions for estimating the range of times for which these limiting results are valid. For the liquid monolayer technique we obtain a new limiting result. The equation for the plaque radius is a transcendental equation which we solve numerically for a number of cases of interest. These results illustrate a variety of different features of plaque growth associated with the finite thickness of the layer. Experimental studies are usually carried out in layers whose thicknesses are not standardized. In the assays commonly used the thickness h can vary more than six hundred fold, i.e. 1 × 10 −3 cm ⪅ h ⪅ 6.5 × 10 −1 cm. Such variation in h will cause widely different kinetics of plaque growth. For typical plaque experiments of one hour duration the two-dimensional limit is valid when h ⪅ 3 × 10 −3 cm while the infinite thickness limit is valid when h ⪆ 10 −1 cm. For thicknesses in between these values the finite layer results must be used.
A functional identification of cardiac junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum

Abstract Junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) has been identified in microsomes from canine ventricular muscle by the presence of calsequestrin and ryanodinesensitive Ca2+ release channels. These properties, however, are not common to cardiac cells from all species. Seiler et al (1) have recently described a high Mr polypeptide in canine junctional SR similar to the spanning protein subunits of skeletal muscle triads. We now report the existence of a polypeptide with the same mobility in SR from rabbit ventricular muscle and show that those cardiac membranes can associate with transverse (T−) tubules from rabbit skeletal muscle in K cacodylate medium. We propose that this polypeptide and the reaction with T-tubules be considered as criteria for the identification of cardiac junctional SR.
Gastric secretion in foals: measurement by nasogastric intubation with constant infusion and aspiration

Summary A technique comprising constant infusion and aspiration via nasogastric tube was used to quantify basal gastric secretion in 9 healthy foals aged 4–7 months and weighing 156 to 215 kg. Gastric fluid was collected continuously for 3 h from an in situ double lumen nasogastric tube attached to a constant suction device (5–10 mmHg). Phenol red (50 mg/litre), an inert marker, was infused continuously (250 ml/h) during the same period to determine loss of gastric fluid through the pylorus. Samples were collected every 15 mins and aspirated volume (VASP), pH, phenol red recovery (PRR) and hydrogen ion concentration (AO) were measured. Gastric secretory volume (VS) and acid concentration (ACD) were calculated. The mean (sd) VASP was 6.54 (1.31) ml/kg bodyweight (bwt)/h; pH was 1.76 (0.25), PRR was 77.7% (11.7), and AO was 0.43 (0.18) mmol/kg bwt/h. Mean (sd) ACD and VS were 59.17 (18.88) mmol/litre and 7.07 (1.73) ml/kg bwt/h, respectively. The AO, ACD, and VS were corrected for PRR. This technique is an alternative to invasive procedures and may be useful for evaluating basal and stimulated gastric secretion in foals and horses.
Migration and fertility in Malaysia: a tale of two hypotheses.

2 hypotheses that are prevalent in the migration and fertility literature are tested using data from the 1966-67 West Malaysian Family Survey. Particular attention is paid to conceptual and methodological frameworks of research and study of sociodemographic trends in Malaysia. Noting that confusion exists in previous studies of migration and fertility especially in regards to comparing migrants and nonmigrants with residence background and migration experience the 2 hypotheses are discussed: 1) the assimilation hypothesis in which a) place of childrearing (origin) is an important influence on fertility behavior (e.g. geographical differentials of fertility norms family size preference) b) residence during childbearing period (destination) is a residential status that may be related to fertility (e.g. values expectation economic opportunities contraceptive availability) and c) the assimilitation process can be expressed as a weighted combination of specific influences of either place of childrearing or childbearing; 2) the migration hypothesis in which a) there is something intrinsic to geographical shifts that cannot be accounted for by mere knowledge of the place of origin or destination b) individuals are selected by age education ethnicity and motivation and c) the impact of migration is selected on specific fertility-related characteristics e.g. the postponment of childbearing. The data in the study are drawn from a KAP-style national survey which utilized a stratified (size of place) probability sampling frame of 5457 married Malaysian women between 15 and 45 years of age. In view of the hypothesis the identification of area of early socialization and adult experience measures the area of greatest influence on individual fertility behavior. Measures of migration are advantageous to approximating the true timing of migration and fertility in a causal ordering. To conclude Bach suggests that fertility levels of migrants can be accounted for through the assimilation model while migration is considered to have only a unique and small effect. The acceptance of the assimilation model also suggests that migration is related to fertility through exposing individuals to two divergent environments. Rural to urban and urban to small town migrants however require use of both the assimilation and migration models.
Oligoribonucleotide synthesis using T7 RNA polymerase and synthetic DNA templates

A method is described to synthesize small RNAs of defined length and sequence using T7 RNA polymerase and templates of synthetic DNA which contain the T7 promoter. Partially single stranded templates which are base paired only in the -17 to +1 promoter region are just as active in transcription as linear plasmid DNA. Runoff transcripts initiate at a unique, predictable position, but may have one nucleotide more or less on the 3' terminus. In addition to the full length products, the reactions also yield a large amount of smaller oligoribonucleotides in the range from 2 to 6 nucleotides which appear to be the result of abortive initiation events. Variants in the +1 to +6 region of the promoter are transcribed with reduced efficiency but increase the variety of RNAs which can be made. Transcription reaction conditions have been optimized to allow the synthesis of milligram amounts of virtually any RNA from 12 to 35 nucleotides in length.
Microwave-Promoted Esterification Reactions: Optimization and Scale-Up

Microwave heating is becoming a widely accepted tool for synthetic chemists. While many reactions have been performed on a small scale using microwave heating, few have been further developed into larger-scale syntheses. Here, a microwave-promoted esterification reaction protocol is presented. The apparatus used allows for the removal of water generated during the course of the reaction and as a result the process can be driven toward completion. Reactions have been run on scales up to 3 mol.
Aspects of the mechanics of earthquake rupture related to the generation of high frequency waves and the prediction of strong ground motion

Abstract In this paper we discuss a five-parameter source model, the barrier model, that has been proposed by Aki et al. This model provides a unified theory for many seismological and geological observations, and accounts for those aspects of the faulting process which are responsible for the generation of the high frequency content of strong ground motion. A particular form of the model which can be used in modeling, interpreting and predicting strong ground motion is briefly described. Important source parameters which are related either to the long period or to the high frequency content of the source spectrum are presented. An attempt is made to provide physical insight for the mechanics of earthquake rupture process. This is done in a descriptive manner, avoiding the mathematical formalism of any specific model. In addition, seismological and geological observations are presented as supporting evidence for the barrier model. The discussion is based on the contributions of Das and Aki, Aki et al. , Chouet et al ., Bouchon, Aki, Andrews, and Madariaga.
Validation of the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Pooled Cohort Risk Equations

RESULTS There were 338 adjudicated events (192 CHD events, 146 strokes). The observed and predicted 5-year atherosclerotic CVD incidence per 1000 person-years for participants with a 10-year predicted atherosclerotic CVD risk of less than 5% was 1.9 (95% CI, 1.3-2.7) and 1.9, respectively, risk of 5% to less than 7.5% was 4.8 (95% CI, 3.4-6.7) and 4.8, risk of 7.5% to less than 10% was 6.1 (95% CI, 4.4-8.6) and 6.9, and risk of 10% or greater was 12.0 (95% CI, 10.6-13.6) and 15.1 (Hosmer-Lemeshow χ 2 = 19.9, P = .01). The C index was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.70-0.75). There were 234 atherosclerotic CVD events (120 CHD events, 114 strokes) among Medicare-linked participants and the observed and predicted 5-year atherosclerotic CVD incidence per 1000 person-years for participants with a predicted risk of less than 7.5% was 5.3 (95% CI, 2.8-10.1) and 4.0, respectively, risk of 7.5% to less than 10% was 7.9 (95% CI, 4.6-13.5) and 6.4, and risk of 10% or greater was 17.4 (95% CI, 15.3-19.8) and 16.4 (Hosmer-Lemeshow χ 2 =5 .4,P = .71). The C index was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.64-0.71). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort of US adults for whom statin initiation is considered based on the ACC/AHA Pooled Cohort risk equations, observed and predicted 5-year atherosclerotic CVD risks were similar, indicating that these risk equations were well calibrated in the population for which they were designed to be used, and demonstrated moderate to good discrimination.
Insight into the inflammasome and caspase-activating mechanisms.

Inflammasomes are recently discovered molecular complexes that can sense danger signals and specifically activate caspase-1 and -5 and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18). Upon signaling, the inflammasome complex forms around a NOD-like receptor family member that serves both as a danger sensor and as a recruiting platform. The number of known triggers that stimulate inflammasomes is rapidly rising, ranging from genetic mutations to microbial products, gout crystals, ultraviolet light and adjuvant chemicals. As a result of this surprising diversity, the inflammasome may have a significant impact on most medical fields. A good understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying its activation/regulation is essential today, as several therapeutic and diagnostic tools have already reached the bedside, and more are sure to come.
Developing an Instrument to Measure the Social Impact of Sport: Social Capital, Collective Identities, Health Literacy, Well-Being and Human Capital

The objective of this study is to develop an instrument to measure the social impact of sport. While there is a rich literature suggesting and measuring the ways in which sport contributes to society, no broad, encompassing scale has been developed. A measure of this type is useful if sport initiatives are to gain social, political and financial support, especially in the form of corporate sponsorship. The proposed “Social Impact of Sport Scale” includes the dimensions of social capital, collective identities, health literacy, well-being and human capital. In addition to development of a detailed 75 item composite scale stemming largely from past measurement, a shorter set of global measures is also examined. A convenience sample of university students is used in scale development as well as a partial test of the scale in context. Results find support for the detailed scale and for the short global measure instrument. In addition, the partial test of the scale in a context of sport experience relevant to ...