cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sedimentary Tectonics in Southwest Pacific Marginal Basins Based on Leg 30 Deep Sea Drilling Project Cores from the South Fiji, Hebrides, and Coral Sea Basins

The vertical sequences of sedimentary facies in three southwest Pacific marginal basins are controlled by sea-floor spreading. The basal sediments at Site 285 (South Fiji Basin) and Site 286 (Hebrides Basin) are turbidites that coarsen upward into debris-flow conglomerates because of submarine-fan progradation. The clastic facies are overlain by biogenic sediments and are capped by pelagic red clays. At Site 287 (Coral Sea Basin), the vertical sequence is partly reversed, consisting of basal biogenic sediments overlain by olive clays that were produced by turbid suspension and are capped by silty-clayey turbidites organized into graded cycles. The following tectonic-sedimentary events are suggested. During initial rifting of the marginal basins, the overlying blanket of oceanic sediment was slumped onto the basin floor. The basin environment was characterized by high slope instability during early stages of basinal sea-floor spreading, which favored deposition of coarser turbidites and debris-flow sediments on fans prograding basinward. As the basin widened during later stages of spreading, regional slope gradients declined, and associated turbidity currents were characterized by reduced flow intensity. After spreading appeared to have ceased, pelagic oceanic sedimentation occurred, followed by pelagic red clays once the basin floor subsided below the calcite compensation depth. Higher sediment accumulation rates are characteristic of the early stage of sea-floor spreading, intermediate sediment accumulation rates are characteristic of the late stage of spreading, and low accumulation rates are characteristic of the pelagic phase. The reversed facies sequence at Site 287 owes its origin to deposition of a clastic wedge of turbidites associated with later vertical uplifts along the basin boundary. Sediment accumulation rates increased during this resurgent tectonic phase. Such resurgent tectonic phases may repeat the facies sequences observed at Sites 285 and 286.
SDC-based modulo scheduling for pipeline synthesis

Modulo scheduling is a popular technique to enable pipelined execution of successive loop iterations for performance improvement. While a variety of modulo scheduling algorithms exist for software pipelining, they are not amenable to many complex design constraints and optimization goals that arise in the hardware synthesis context. In this paper we describe a modulo scheduling framework based on the formulation of system of difference constraints (SDC). Our framework can systematically model a rich set of performance constraints that are specific to the hardware design. The scheduler also exploits the unique mathematical properties of SDC to carry out efficient global optimization and fast incremental update on the constraint system to minimize the resource usage of the synthesized pipeline. Experiments demonstrate that our proposed technique provides efficient solutions for a set of real-life applications and compares favorably against a widely used lifetime-sensitive modulo scheduling algorithm.
Multi-scale modeling of a spray coating process in a paddle mixer/coater: the effect of particle size distribution on particle segregation and coating uniformity

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of particle size distribution on the flow dynamics, segregation, and coating uniformity in an industrial paddle mixer/coater. First principles modeling approaches with the discrete element method (DEM) and spray post-processing analysis were applied to model particle motion and coating growth. A monosize seed distribution with a particle size of 10.52 mm was used as a baseline DEM simulation. Important spray region variables such as the residence time in the spray region, number of spray region visits, and area exposure percentage were analyzed to characterize the mixing dynamics in the spray. The seed particles were then changed to a log normal size distribution with a relative standard deviation varying from 0.134 to 0.389. Small particles appear preferentially in the spray zone in all polydisperse particle systems, and further analysis on the size dependence of the spray variables shows that small particles have a relatively high frequency of spray zone visits and low shielding. The binary particle DEM simulations with 11.69 mm large particles and 9.01 mm small particles demonstrate segregation patterns in which large particles collect in the end wall region and small particles collect in the spray region, which explains the observed spray preference for small particles. The results of this study highlight the need to understand the effect of mixer geometry on segregation in the particle flow field in order to predict the coating preference with particle size.
Analysis of surface tension driven leveling in viscoelastic films

Abstract We study the surface tension driven leveling of surface irregularities in viscoelastic films deposited on a flat surface. Analytical results are presented for the generalized Maxwell model in the limit of infinitesimal surface disturbances. The results show that elasticity retards the leveling process. In some cases, the retardation effect is dramatic. Keunings' finite element algorithm for solving viscoelastic moving boundary problems is used to analyze the case of finite-amplitude surface disturbances. Results for an Oldroyd B fluid display significant elastic effects which are consistent with the asymptotic predictions.
A TECHNIQUE FOR CAPTURING ABDIM'S STORKS SPHENORHYNCHUS ABDIMII (LICHTENSTEIN)

(1965). A TECHNIQUE FOR CAPTURING ABDIM'S STORKS SPHENORHYNCHUS ABDIMII (LICHTENSTEIN) Ostrich: Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 121-122.
Liberal Democracy and Group Rights: The Legacy of Individualism and its Impact on American Indian Tribes

Individualism is the foundation of democratic theory and practise in the United States. A multi-ethnic, but not really a multi-communal society in the same sense as Northern Ireland or India, the United States has not generally had to confront the nature and justification of its historical opposition to group rights and communal social and political organization. Only the American Indian tribes, with their treaty-mandated communalism, have presented exceptions to this pattern. This paper explores the assumptions underlying liberal democratic attitudes towards communalism, the ways in which group claims pose challenges to conventional notions of justice and equality, and the utility of introducing alternative assumptions about the nature and role of groups in democratic society. Discussion centers on the most recent attempt to reduce the group rights of American Indian tribes.
Accuracy of preimplantation genetic diagnosis in equine in vivo-recovered and in vitro-produced blastocysts

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis has great potential in the horse, but information on evaluation of equine embryo biopsy samples is limited. Blastocysts were biopsied using a Piezo drill and methods for whole-genome amplification (WGA) investigated. Results for 33 genetic loci were then compared between biopsy samples from in vitro-produced (IVP) and in vivo-recovered (VIV) blastocysts. Under the experimental conditions described, WGA using the Qiagen Repli-g Midi kit was more accurate than that using the Illustra Genomiphi V2 kit (98.2% vs 25.8%, respectively). Using WGA with the Qiagen kit, three biopsy samples were evaluated from each of eight IVP and 19 VIV blastocysts, some produced using semen from stallions carrying the genetic mutations associated with the diseases hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA), hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) or polysaccharide storage myopathy 1 (PSSM1). Three of 81 biopsy samples (3.7%) returned 95% overall accuracy in IVP and VIV embryos, and this technique is suitable for use in a clinical setting.
The role of microbial communities in parturition: is there evidence of association with preterm birth and perinatal morbidity and mortality?

In 2005, the World Health Organization estimated that 9.6% or 12.9 million births worldwide were born preterm at http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/88/1/08-062554 ). Significant data suggesting that intrauterine infection is an important modifier for the risk of preterm birth have emerged over the past four decades. However, causative microbial culprits have yet to be identified, and interventional trials with antimicrobials have uniformly failed to demonstrate a significant benefit. To the contrary, treatment for clinically asymptomatic, commonly associated polymicrobial communities (i.e., bacterial vaginosis) has resulted in an increase in the rate of preterm birth. This article discusses the importance of vaginal microbiome and the variance in its composition during normal pregnancy. We will expand this discussion to include possible mechanisms that might trigger preterm birth in at-risk subjects. Finally, we will review why preterm birth may be an ideal forum with which to apply our rapidly expanding metagenomic sequencing and analytic pipelines to discern the role of host and microbe in the relative continuum of health and disease.
OBSERVED BEHAVIOR OF HIGHLY INELASTIC ELECTRON-PROTON SCATTERING

Results of electron-proton inelastic scattering at 6\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 10\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} are discussed, and values of the structure function ${W}_{2}$ are estimated. If the interaction is dominated by transverse virtual photons, $\ensuremath{\nu}{W}_{2}$ can be expressed as a function of $\ensuremath{\omega}=\frac{2M\ensuremath{\nu}}{{q}^{2}}$ within experimental errors for ${q}^{2}g1$ ${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$ and $\ensuremath{\omega}g4$, where $\ensuremath{\nu}$ is the invariant energy transfer and ${q}^{2}$ is the invariant momentum transfer of the electron. Various theoretical models and sum rules are briefly discussed.
Comparison of different dynamical models to predict the upper ocean concentration of a photochemical tracer as a function of depth and time

Three different one dimensional upper ocean boundary dynamics models are used to predict the concentration of a short-lived natural photochemical tracer as a function of time and depth. The dynamics models are coupled with parameterizations of the production and destruction rates of the tracer using chemical rate constants from published experimental studies. The model predictions of the upper ocean concentration the tracer do not agree closely with the measured concentrations obtained during one expedition, probably mostly because of errors in the rate constants used in the chemical model (published values of the in situ rate constants show much variability). An optimization scheme is described to find the values of the production and destruction rate constants which minimize the difference between the modelled and measured upper ocean concentrations of the photochemical tracer and the uncertainty is assessed using a Monte Carlo simulation. Using the optimized estimates of the chemical production and destruction rate constants, the simulated upper ocean concentrations from the three dynamics models show close agreement with each other. However, it is still difficult to determine which of the models is the best description for actual observed tracer concentrations because of weaknesses in the existing in situ data sets and models.
Potential environmental issues of CO2 storage in deep saline aquifers: Geochemical results from the Frio-I Brine Pilot test, Texas, USA

Abstract Sedimentary basins in general, and deep saline aquifers in particular, are being investigated as possible repositories for large volumes of anthropogenic CO2 that must be sequestered to mitigate global warming and related climate changes. To investigate the potential for the long-term storage of CO2 in such aquifers, 1600 t of CO2 were injected at 1500 m depth into a 24-m-thick “C” sandstone unit of the Frio Formation, a regional aquifer in the US Gulf Coast. Fluid samples obtained before CO2 injection from the injection well and an observation well 30 m updip showed a Na–Ca–Cl type brine with ∼93,000 mg/L TDS at saturation with CH4 at reservoir conditions; gas analyses showed that CH4 comprised ∼95% of dissolved gas, but CO2 was low at 0.3%. Following CO2 breakthrough, 51 h after injection, samples showed sharp drops in pH (6.5–5.7), pronounced increases in alkalinity (100–3000 mg/L as HCO3) and in Fe (30–1100 mg/L), a slug of very high DOC values, and significant shifts in the isotopic compositions of H2O, DIC, and CH4. These data, coupled with geochemical modeling, indicate corrosion of pipe and well casing as well as rapid dissolution of minerals, especially calcite and iron oxyhydroxides, both caused by lowered pH (initially ∼3.0 at subsurface conditions) of the brine in contact with supercritical CO2. These geochemical parameters, together with perfluorocarbon tracer gases (PFTs), were used to monitor migration of the injected CO2 into the overlying Frio “B”, composed of a 4-m-thick sandstone and separated from the “C” by ∼15 m of shale and siltstone beds. Results obtained from the Frio “B” 6 months after injection gave chemical and isotopic markers that show significant CO2 (2.9% compared with 0.3% CO2 in dissolved gas) migration into the “B” sandstone. Results of samples collected 15 months after injection, however, are ambiguous, and can be interpreted to show no additional injected CO2 in the “B” sandstone. The presence of injected CO2 may indicate migration from “C” to “B” through the intervening beds or, more likely, a short-term leakage through the remedial cement around the casing of a 50-year old well. Results obtained to date from four shallow monitoring groundwater wells show no brine or CO2 leakage through the Anahuac Formation, the regional cap rock.
Compulsory Arbitration, Arbitral Risk and Negotiated Settlements: A Case Study in Bargaining under Imperfect Information

The effect of conventional and final-offer compulsory arbitration on negotiated settlements is characterized, using Nash's variable-threats bargaining solution, with particular attention to the interaction between arbitral risk and bargainers' risk preferences. When there is no arbitral risk, both schemes are shown to have the same effect on negotiated settlements under very general conditions, even when bargaining is over several issues. Whether or not there is arbitral risk, negotiated settlements favour a bargainer more if his opponent is more risk-averse. On the other hand, increases in arbitral risk need not improve the position of the less risk-averse bargainer. As a by-product of the analysis, Kihlstrom, Roth and Schmeidler's risk-sensitivity results for the Nash and Raiffa-Kalai-Smorodinsky solutions are generalized from fixed-threats to variable-threats bargaining.
Localization of human elav-like neuronal protein 1 (Hel-N1) on chromosome 9p21 by chromosome microdissection polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization

Abstract Hel-N1 is a member of the highly conserved elav family of neuronal genes. It shares considerable sequence homology with HuD, another human member, and both genes are expressed in brain. HuD was recently mapped to chromosome 1p34. Here, we have utilized chromosome microdissection polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization to map Hel-N1 to chromosome 9p21. The different chromosomal locations of these homologous genes underscore their distinct identities.
Double tunneling-injection quantum dot laser: effect of the wetting layer

Effect of the wetting layer (WL) on the output power of a double tunneling-injection (DTI) quantum dot (QD) laser is studied. Such a laser was proposed earlier to suppress bipolar population and hence electron-hole recombination outside QDs. In the Stranski-Krastanow growth mode, QDs are formed on an initially grown WL. The WL is directly connected to QDs by the processes of carrier capture and thermal escape. These processes are described in terms of the temporal cross-sections of electron and hole capture from the WL into QDs. The electron and hole densities and parasitic electron-hole recombination current density in the WL, and the output power of the device are calculated as functions of the temporal cross-sections. These calculations provide the basis for optimization of a DTI QD laser with the WL aimed at maximizing the output power. The larger the temporal cross-section of electron capture into QDs, the more efficient is the electron capture from the WL into QDs, and hence the higher is the output power. The smaller the temporal crosssection of hole capture into QDs, the less intensive is the hole thermal escape from QDs into the WL, the less intensive is the recombination in the WL, and hence the higher is the output power.
Perinatal outcomes in monoamniotic gestations.

Objective: A comprehensive review of monoamniotic twin gestations reported between 1990 and 2002 was performed to estimate current perinatal mortality and morbidity rates, as well as the predictive value of an antenatal diagnosis of cord entanglement for poor obstetric outcomes. Method: A Medline literature review using the search term 'monoamniotic' and limited to articles published in the English language between 1990 and 2002 was performed. Results: A total of 133 continuing, non-conjoined twin monoamniotic pregnancies with delivery information were identified. Perinatal loss per 2-week interval was relatively constant at 2-4% from 15 to 32 weeks. However, of the 131 fetuses reaching 33 weeks, the percentage loss significantly increased to 11.0% at 33-35 weeks and 21.9% at 36-38 weeks compared to that at 30-32 weeks. Overall perinatal mortality was 23.3%. Of all losses, 61.2% involved both twins and 38.8% involved only one fetus. Cord entanglements were documented antenatally in 22.6% of reports. There...
Mitochondrial metabolism and substrate competition in the aging Fischer rat heart.

Objective: The objective was to examine mitochondrial oxidative metabolism of long chain fatty acids and to compare it with glucose uptake and the generation of pressure-volume work in hearts from mature and aged rats. Methods: Hearts from mature (8 to 15 months of age) and old (28 to 30 months) Fischer 344 rats were perfused as working hearts with either 10 mM glucose or glucose plus 1 mM oleic acid (2% bovine serum albumin) and rates of glucose extraction were determined. Hearts were subjected to a stepwise increase in work load. In separate experiments, mitochondria were isolated from mature and old rat hearts and assayed for respiratory function, carnitine exchange, carnitine palmitoyltransferase activities, and phospholipid content. Results: Although there were no differences in peak work attained between the mature and old rats in the presence of either glucose alone or glucose plus oleic acid, glucose utilisation was significantly decreased by oleate in the mature animals only. No significant changes in either glutamate or succinate (+rotenone) supported respiration were found in heart mitochondria isolated from old rats compared with mature animals. In agreement with prior studies with the Wistar rat model of aging, significant decrements in the rates of palmitoylcarnitine oxidation and carnitine exchange were apparent in the old Fischer animals. A significant lowering of heart mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase I activity was also found in the old animals. A decrease in the amounts of carnitine loaded in mitochondria from old animals is consistent with reduced carnitine content in both mitochondria and whole hearts from aged Wistar and Fischer rats. A significant (23%) reduction in heart mitochondrial cardiolipin content from 30 month old Fischer rats suggests that this phospholipid may also contribute to the lower rates of carnitine and acylcarnitine transport across the mitochondrial inner membrane. Conclusion: The limitation in the delivery of fatty acyl units to β oxidation as measured in isolated heart mitochondria from old rats has a physiological correlate in the intact heart. The well documented suppression of glucose oxidation by fatty acids seen in the adult rat heart is not seen in old hearts, supporting the in vitro finding of decreased oxidation of palmitoylcarnitine with senescence. Cardiovascular Research 1993; 27 :2222-2228
The Deployment of MML for Data Analytics over the Cloud

Adoption of electronic records streamlines how critical information is stored and analyzed. A cloud computing environment provides vast storage capacity and CPU processing power for archival and analytics in a cost-effective manner. In this paper we present a study of deploying the medical markup language MML for storing and analyzing data using cloud services. In addition to emphasizing the advantages of the cloud, we provide a brief risk analysis of using cloud services in such a crucial domain. While we focus our discussion on the medical domain, similar arguments are applicable to other domains with sensitive information.
Applications of Gandhian concepts in psychology and allied disciplines

The paper highlights the significance of Gandhian concepts in research in psychology and its related fields. To illustrate the application of Gandhian ideology, a test of non-violence is described here with its psychometric properties. Further, two unexplored research issues having a bearing on clinical psychology and psychiatry have been delineated. Firstly, a call for addressing the mental health problems of non-violent protesters numbering over one billion spread all over the world has been made. And secondly, there is a need for understanding the neurological basis of non-violent form of behavior, for example, the role of oxytocin, to increase the legitimacy of non-violence as adaptive behavior.
Computer-calculated pulmonary carbon dioxide and oxygen exchange in human subjects during general anesthesia with mechanical ventilation.

Computer calculation of minute-by-minute and breath-by-breath values for carbon dioxide excretion (vco2) and oxygen consumption (vo2) in human subjects during general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation were obtained with position changes and after drug administration to demonstrate a method for monitoring pulmonary gas exchange. A modified response to the intravenous injection of doxapram hydrochloride was observed in 12 patients with pancuronium bromide neuromuscular relaxation when they were compared with 12 patients who had been given tubocurarine. The data included representative values for vco2 and vo2 measured simultaneously in normal women after 1–2 h of balanced nitrous oxide-oxygen-fentanyl anesthesia with muscular relaxation and mechanical ventilation.
Dose response study of human exposure to 60 Hz electric and magnetic fields.

This human exposure study examined the relationship between field strength and biological response and tested whether the exposure levels at which the greatest effects occur differ for different endpoints. Three matched groups of 18 men each participated in two 6 h exposure test sessions. All subjects were sham exposed in one session. In the other session, each group of subjects was exposed at a different level of combined electric and magnetic field strength (low group: 6 kV/m, 10 μT; medium group: 9 kV/m, 20 μT; and high group: 12 kV/m, 30 μT). The study was performed double blind, with exposure order counterbalanced. Significant slowing of heart rate, as well as alterations in the latency and amplitude of event-related brain potential measures derived from the electro encephalogram (EEG), occurred in the group exposed to the 9 kV/m, 20 μT combined field (medium group). Exposure at the other field strength levels had no influence on cardiac measures and differential effects on EEG activity. Significant decrements in reaction time and in performance accuracy on a time estimation task were observed only in the low group. These results provide support for the hypothesis that humans may be more responsive to some combinations or levels of field strength than to others and that such differences in responsivity may depend, in part, on the endpoint of interest. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
First-principles zone-center theory of superconductivity in MgB2

We have carried out first-principles calculations of Tc and other relevant parameters of the new 40-K superconductor MgB2. Our results are in excellent agreement with the neutron measurements of phonons as well as with the measured boron-isotope effect and the pressure dependence of Tc. We find that the in-plane boron phonons near the zone center are very anharmonic and strongly coupled to the planar B σ bands near the Fermi level. The boron mass and the pressure dependence of this mode are found to be the key to quantitatively explaining the observed high Tc and other superconducting properties of MgB2.
A more accurate calculation of the water permeability constant,K wo , by analysis of the protoplast length vs. time diagram

The equation for the calculation of the absolute water permeability constant,K wo (Stadelmann 1963), by the plasmometric method, was demonstrated to be valid. A computer analysis of theoretically determined protoplast length vs. time diagrams indicated that the most accurate water permeability values for theAllium cepa bulb epidermis cells examined were found in the central part of the deplasmolysis curve. Here, interference of factors other than purely osmotic forces are least:e.g., for cells with equilibrium times of over 14 minutes,L 2 should be taken between 160–300 seconds after initiation of deplasmolysis, andL 2 between 40–200 seconds. With cells deplasmolyzing more slowly, the L values can be chosen nearer initiation of deplasmolysis. TheL values can also be expressed in terms of protoplast length,L 0, and protoplast expansion,L exp. The latter form is more convenient since the values can be easily read from the deplasmolysis curve:L 2approximately between 60–90%L exp andL 1 between 20–70%L exp. Adherence to strictly defined numerical limits for the “optimal section” of the deplasmolysis curve is not as important as the recognition that a greater chance for erroneous calculation ofK wo exists whenL values are taken either at the onset of deplasmolysis, or near its conclusion.
A generalized room square GRS(4, 24) of dimension 9

Abstract By using 9 mutually disjoint Steiner system S(5, 8, 24)s we show the existence of a generalized Room square GRS(4, 24) of dimension 9.
Realistic disturbance modeling using Hidden Markov Models: Applications in model-based process control

Abstract Understanding and modeling disturbances play a critical part in designing effective advanced model-based control solutions. Existing linear, stationary disturbance models are oftentimes limiting in the face of time-varying characteristics typically witnessed in process industries. These include intermittent drifts, abrupt changes, temporary oscillations, outliers and the likes. This work proposes a Hidden Markov Model-based framework to deal with such situations that exhibit discrete, modal behavior. The usefulness of the proposed disturbance framework – from modeling to ensuring the integral action under a wide variety of scenarios – is demonstrated through several examples.
Anti-Tetherin Activities of HIV-1 Vpu and Ebola Virus Glycoprotein Do Not Involve Removal of Tetherin from Lipid Rafts

ABSTRACT BST-2/tetherin is an interferon-inducible host restriction factor that blocks the release of newly formed enveloped viruses. It is enriched in lipid raft membrane microdomains, which are also the sites of assembly of several enveloped viruses. Viral anti-tetherin factors, such as the HIV-1 Vpu protein, typically act by removing tetherin from the cell surface. In contrast, the Ebola virus glycoprotein (GP) is unusual in that it blocks tetherin restriction without apparently altering its cell surface localization. We explored the possibility that GP acts to exclude tetherin from the specific sites of virus assembly without overtly removing it from the cell surface and that lipid raft exclusion is the mechanism involved. However, we found that neither GP nor Vpu had any effect on tetherin9s distribution within lipid raft domains. Furthermore, GP did not prevent the colocalization of tetherin and budding viral particles. Contrary to previous reports, we also found no evidence that GP is itself a raft protein. Together, our data indicate that the exclusion of tetherin from lipid rafts is not the mechanism used by either HIV-1 Vpu or Ebola virus GP to counteract tetherin restriction.
Age-specific size of the normal adenoid pad on magnetic resonance imaging.

Conclusions regarding the significance and appearance of the adenoids incidentally noted on magnetic resonance (MR) scans of the brain largely rely on observations of previously published plain film data. In order to determine the age specific appearance of normal adenoid tissue as measured on sagittal T1-weighted midline MR images, we evaluated 189 patients without a history or clinical evidence of adenoid disease, who were sequentially referred for an MR scan of the brain. The thickness of the adenoid pad was measured to the nearest 1 mm along a line through the pharyngeal tubercle constructed perpendicular to the anterior clival surface. Patients were grouped according to age. Normal subjects demonstrated an age specific variation in the size of the pad with the maximal size being attained in early childhood and then steadily decreasing in later childhood and adulthood (P = 0.0001). The adenoids were largest in the 7–10 years age group (mean, 14.59 mm) and steadily declined to 4.83 mm by 60 years of age. Previous surgery had no effect on adenoid measurement (P = 0.582). Magnetic resonance scans provide an excellent method for assessing the adenoid pad.
Identification of a key determinant of ryanodine receptor type 1 required for activation by 4-chloro-m-cresol.

4-Chloro-m-cresol (4-CmC) is a potent and specific activator of the intracellular Ca2+ release channel, the ryanodine receptor (RyR). We have previously shown that RyR1 expressed in dyspedic 1B5 myotubes is activated by 4-CmC, whereas RyR3 is not (Fessenden, J. D., Wang, Y., Moore, R. A., Chen, S. R. W., Allen, P. D., and Pessah, I. N. (2000) Biophys. J. 79, 2509–2525). To identify region(s) on RyR1 that are responsible for mediating activation by 4-CmC, we expressed RyR1-RyR3 chimeric proteins in dyspedic 1B5 myotubes and then measured 4-CmC-induced increases in intracellular Ca2+. Substitution of the C-terminal third of RyR1 into RyR3 imparted 4-CmC sensitivity to the resulting chimera, thus suggesting that determinants required for activation by 4-CmC are located in this region. We subdivided the C-terminal third of RyR1 into smaller segments and identified two overlapping regions of RyR1 (amino acids 3769–4180 and 4007–4382) that each imparted 4-CmC sensitivity to RyR3. Substitution of the 173 amino acids of RyR1 common to these two chimeras (amino acids 4007–4180) also weakly restored 4-CmC sensitivity in the resulting chimera. To confirm these findings, we created a complementary set of chimeras containing RyR3 substitutions in RyR1. Substitution of the RyR3 C terminus into RyR1 disrupted 4-CmC sensitivity in the resulting chimera. In addition, substitution of the corresponding RyR3 sequence into positions 4007–4180 of RyR1 disrupted 4-CmC sensitivity. Taken together, these results suggest that essential determinants required for activation of RyR1 by 4-CmC reside within a 173-amino acid region between residues 4007 and 4180.
DNA polymerases during postnatal myocardial development

THE rate of mitotic division of cardiac muscle cells declines rapidly during late embryonic and early postnatal development1–5 pari passu with a progressive restriction in proliferative capacity2,3. Adaptation of adult myocardium to increased functional demand is thus limited to hypertrophy, that is, an increase in size of individual cells without a change in their number. In contrast, non-muscle cardiac cells (interstitial and endothelial cells) retain their capacity to proliferate in response to appropriate stimuli6. The mechanisms controlling proliferation in the developing myocardium are not known. Several investigators have noted, however, a close temporal correlation between the age-dependent decline in mitotic activity and reduced levels of enzymes involved in DNA synthesis7–9. The possibility has been raised5 that this enzyme loss is, in fact, responsible for the inability of adult myocardial cells to undergo mitosis. Here we describe differential changes in the activities of DNA polymerases from cardiac muscle and non-muscle cells during the postnatal development of the rat heart and suggest that changes in these enzymes are not sufficient explanation for the restriction in proliferative capacity.
Radiosity redistribution for dynamic environments

The radiosity algorithm is extended to dynamic environments, providing global-illumination simulations to scenes that are modified interactively. The illumination effects introduced by a change in position, shape, or attributes of any object in the scene are computed very rapidly by redistributing the energy already exchanged between objects. Corrections are made by shooting positive and negative energy, accounting for increased illumination and the creation of shadows. Object coherence is used to minimize computation, and progressive-refinement techniques are used to accelerate convergence. The extended algorithm yields excellent approximations to the exact solutions at interactive speeds. >
The Saeed six-shooter : a prospective study of a new endoscopic multiple rubber-band ligator for the treatment of varices

Background and study aims Rubber-band ligation is superior to sclerotherapy, and is considered to be the endoscopic treatment of choice for bleeding varices. The single-shot mechanism of the ligation device generally used is inherently inefficient, and makes the procedure tedious. It also requires overtube placement, associated with discomfort and complications. This study describes the Saeed Six-Shooter, a multiple ligation device. Patients and methods Twenty-seven consecutive patients with variceal bleeding were prospectively studied. After initial endoscopic ligation, subsequent sessions were every 7-10 days. The parameters studied were the ease of use, the ability to control active bleeding and eradicate varices, survival, and complications. Results Active bleeding was controlled in all seven (100%) patients. Esophageal varices were eradicated in 70% (3.2 +/- 1.2 sessions), and gastric varices in 88% of patients (2 +/- 1.2 sessions). Five patients re-bled, two from esophageal varices, two from gastric varices, and one from treatment-induced ulcer. There were four deaths, none due to exsanguination. A single complication, esophageal stricture, resolved with balloon dilation. Intubation was no more difficult with the endoscope loaded with the Six-Shooter than with the endoscope alone (P > 0.3). Six ligations were performed in 39% of cases within 60 seconds, and in 74% of cases within 90 seconds. For gastric varices, the device was effectively used with the endoscope retroflexed. Conclusions The Saeed Six-Shooter is a safe and efficient instrument for the endoscopic ligation of varices, and has overcome the limitations of the single-shot ligator.
Effect of dietary composition on liver glycogen accumulation and lipid metabolism in the hypothyroid chick (Gallus domesticus)

Abstract 1. 1. Since propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism in the mash (commercial high carbohydrate diet) fed chick results in liver enlargement with excessive accumulation of glycogen, these studies were conducted to determine the effect of diet composition on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the hypothyroid chick. 2. 2. PTU (0.1%) was fed for 2 weeks in mash, high carbohydrate (HC), high fat (HF), or in high protein (HP) diets. 3. 3. Thyroid glands were significantly enlarged in all PTU treated chicks independent of the nature of dietary composition. 4. 4. Liver weight increased and glycogen accumulated in all hypothyroid chicks, the maximum in HC diet and minimum in HF diet fed group. 5. 5. Plasma glucose levels did not correlate with liver glycogen concentrations. 6. 6. Hypothyroidism significantly increased plasma triglycerides in HC and mash fed, cholesterol in mash fed and phospholipids in HC and HF diets fed groups. HP diet had a hypocholesterolemic effect. 7. 7. PTU significantly decreased bile phospholipids. Bile cholesterol was also decreased except in HF diet fed group. 8. 8. The results demonstrate profound changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in hypothyroid chicks. These changes are modulated by dietary composition and liver glycogen accumulation probably is dependent on dietary carbohydrate supply.
Metallurgy, fabrication, and superconducting properties of multifilamentary Nb 3 Al composites

The control of metallurgical structure during fabrication that will improve the superconducting properties of multifilamentary, aluminium-stabilized, Nb 3 Al composites is described. Composites are fabricated by placing niobium rods in an aluminum matrix, and then drawing to wire. Nb 3 Al is formed at temperatures exceeding 1800°C for ∼5 s and ordered at 750°C for 48 h. A critical current, J c (H), in excess of 105A/cm2( F_{p} \sim 7 \times 10^{8} dynes/cm3) at 7 T and a T c to 18.2 K are obtained. Attempts to improve J c (H) by controlling the grain size in the Nb 3 Al diffused layer are discussed. Precipitates, arising from the addition of carbon during Nb 3 Al layer growth, do not appear to be effective as grain-boundary or flux pinners. When 1% Zr is added to the Nb, the growth of the Nb 3 Al layer is accelerated, T c is lowered and J c (H) is not significantly improved. J c (H) rapidly decreases with an increase in Nb 3 Al or (Nb-Zr) 3 Al layer thickness, d. J c (H) is independent of d in composites with d ≳ 1.5 μm. In general, the Nb 3 Al grain size appears comparable to d for d ≤ 1 μm. Significant improvement of J c (H) for Nb 3 Al superconducting composites reacted at temperatures above 1800°C (to achieve T c > 17 K) is achieved only by maintaining the layer thickness well below d ∼ 1.0 μm.
The von Hippel-Lindau Gene, Kidney Cancer, and Oxygen Sensing

Recent studies of a relatively rare hereditary cancer syndrome, von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, have shed new light on the molecular pathogenesis of kidney cancer and, perhaps more important, on how mammalian cells sense and respond to changes in oxygen availability. This knowledge is already translating into new therapeutic targets for kidney cancer as well as for multiple conditions, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, in which ischemia plays a pathogenic role. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of von Hippel-Lindau disease and the role of the VHL gene product (pVHL) in kidney cancer and the mammalian oxygen sensing pathway.
Ultrastructural abnormalities in a microspherical ectopic lens

Abstract In order to establish the congenital structural defects which lead to lens luxation (ectopia lentis), several cases of dislocations are being studied. In this study, the three-dimensional ultrastructure of a congenital microspheric ectopic lens revealed lens structural anomalies as well as malformations of the zonules. The lens fibers were abnormal in distribution, size, and morphology. The most striking difference was the decrease in lens fiber cross-sectional area to 20% of normal. This decrease is seen in all zones of fiber lamellae and may be the direct cause of the abnormal size and shape of the lens. The cortical lens fibers also displayed surface openings which appeared to communicate with intracellular cavities. Two types of zonules were observed; one composed of fibrils of normal dimension which were attached on the anterior inferior lens surface and the ciliary body; the other, composed of abnormally large fibrils, and attached only to the lens surface. From our observations, the primary defect which produced the lens luxation was the decrease in lens fiber dimensions causing a decrease in lens size and thus an increased circumlental space. The spatial relationships between the lens and surrounding tissue is essential for zonular development. the maintenance of the suspensory system and the functions of accommodation.
How are U.S. and international audit rules changing

Major efforts are underway to improve the quality of external audits—both in the United States and abroad. And big changes are in the wind. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
For Appearances' Sake Public Self-Consciousness and Makeup Use

Are some individuals more apt to alter their physical appearance to seem more attractive? The current research investigated individual differences in the use of makeup. Women who were particularly concerned about their appearance (those high in public self-consciousness) wore more makeup and were more apt to believe that makeup enhances their social interactions. Implications of the current research for Self-Consciousness findings are discussed.
Tall Fescue Response to Nitrogen and Harvest Date for Stockpiled Grazing in the Upper Midwest

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is a cool-season grass with physiological and morphological traits suitable for stockpiled grazing. The effect of late summer nitrogen (N) application was measured for yield and quality responses using four N rates (0, 25, 50, and 100 lb/acre) and three autumn harvest dates. Averaged across harvest date, linear increases of dry matter (DM) occurred in 1999 and 2000. In 1999, yield = 1747 + 15 × N rate (R 2 = 0.92, RMSE = 235) and in 2000, yield = 672 + 19 × N rate (R 2 = 0.96, RMSE = 202). Year by harvest date and year by N rate interactions were observed for yield because of above average rainfall in 1999 and below average rainfall in 2000. Forage crude protein (CP) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) increased as N rate increased, while neutral detergent fiber (NDF) decreased. Year by harvest date interactions were observed for CP, NDF, and IVDMD, and year by N rate interactions were observed for CP and NDF. Late summer N application increased DM yield and CP of the first cutting the following spring. Forage producers who apply late-season N can increase the quantity and quality of tall fescue forage available for autumn grazing. However, yield and quality losses can occur if harvest is delayed beyond October.
Flow Characterization Through a Network Cell Using Particle Image Velocimetry

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) with refractive index matching was developed to map pore-scale fluid flow through a clear, acrylic two-dimensional network flow cell. A microscope objective lens was incorporated in the PIV set up so that flow in micro-scale throats could be measured. The flow cell consists of 20 × 20, equal-size cylindrical pore bodies, 2.5mm in diameter and 1.0mm in height, connected on a diamond lattice by 2.5 mm long, square cross-section throats of widths that varied randomly among 0.2, 0.6, and 1.0 mm. Micro-PIV data was used to obtain the two-dimensional streamline pattern of fluid flow and the velocity field over the field of view (FOV) by periodically illuminating seed particles following the flow and cross correlating particle positions to determine displacements over time. Refractive index matching of the flow cell and test fluid minimizes extraneous scattering of light at solid--liquid interfaces improving image resolution. Experimentally determined velocity vectors for single-phase flow through three pore bodies and their adjoining throats as well as for the outlet of the flow cell were compared with numerical simulations of flow through the cell.
Beta-Catenin Phosphorylated at Threonine 120 Antagonizes Generation of Active Beta-Catenin by Spatial Localization in trans-Golgi Network

The stability and subcellular localization of beta-catenin, a protein that plays a major role in cell adhesion and proliferation, is tightly regulated by multiple signaling pathways. While aberrant activation of beta-catenin signaling has been implicated in cancers, the biochemical identity of transcriptionally active beta-catenin (ABC), commonly known as unphosphorylated serine 37 (S37) and threonine 41 (T41) β-catenin, remains elusive. Our current study demonstrates that ABC transcriptional activity is influenced by phosphorylation of T120 by Protein Kinase D1 (PKD1). Whereas the nuclear β-catenin from PKD1-low prostate cancer cell line C4-2 is unphosphorylated S37/T41/T120 with high transcription activity, the nuclear β-catenin from PKD1-overexpressing C4-2 cells is highly phosphorylated at T120, S37 and T41 with low transcription activity, implying that accumulation of nuclear β-catenin alone cannot be simply used as a read-out for Wnt activation. In human normal prostate tissue, the phosphorylated T120 β-catenin is mainly localized to the trans-Golgi network (TGN, 22/30, 73%), and this pattern is significantly altered in prostate cancer (14/197, 7.1%), which is consistent with known down regulation of PKD1 in prostate cancer. These in vitro and in vivo data unveil a previously unrecognized post-translational modification of ABC through T120 phosphorylation by PKD1, which alters subcellular localization and transcriptional activity of β-catenin. Our results support the view that β-catenin signaling activity is regulated by spatial compartmentation and post-translational modifications and protein level of β-catenin alone is insufficient to count signaling activity.
Quasi-equilibrium analysis of the ion-pair mediated membrane transport of low-permeability drugs

The aim of this research was to gain a mechanistic understanding of ion-pair mediated membrane transport of low-permeability drugs. Quasi-equilibrium mass transport analyses were developed to describe the ion-pair mediated octanol-buffer partitioning and hydrophobic membrane permeation of the model basic drug phenformin. Three lipophilic counterions were employed: p-toluenesulfonic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, and 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (HNAP). Association constants and intrinsic octanol-buffer partition coefficients (Log P(AB)) of the ion-pairs were obtained by fitting a transport model to double reciprocal plots of apparent octanol-buffer distribution coefficients versus counterion concentration. All three counterions enhanced the lipophilicity of phenformin, with HNAP providing the greatest increase in Log P(AB), 3.7 units over phenformin alone. HNAP also enhanced the apparent membrane permeability of phenformin, 27-fold in the PAMPA model, and 4.9-fold across Caco-2 cell monolayers. As predicted from a quasi-equilibrium analysis of ion-pair mediated membrane transport, an order of magnitude increase in phenformin flux was observed per log increase in counterion concentration, such that log-log plots of phenformin flux versus HNAP concentration gave linear relationships. These results provide increased understanding of the underlying mechanisms of ion-pair mediated membrane transport, emphasizing the potential of this approach to enable oral delivery of low-permeability drugs.
What are Bacterial Species

Bacterial systematics has not yet reached a consensus for defining the fundamental unit of biological diversity, the species. The past half-century of bacterial systematics has been characterized by improvements in methods for demarcating species as phenotypic and genetic clusters, but species demarcation has not been guided by a theory-based concept of species. Eukaryote systematists have developed a universal concept of species: A species is a group of organisms whose divergence is capped by a force of cohesion; divergence between different species is irreversible; and different species are ecologically distinct. In the case of bacteria, these universal properties are held not by the named species of systematics but by ecotypes. These are populations of organisms occupying the same ecological niche, whose divergence is purged recurrently by natural selection. These ecotypes can be discovered by several universal sequence-based approaches. These molecular methods suggest that a typical named species contains many ecotypes, each with the universal attributes of species. A named bacterial species is thus more like a genus than a species.