cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the distribution of potential short restriction fragments in nucleic acid sequence databases: Implications for an alternative to chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides

We have searched the GenBank nucleic acid sequence database for potential short restriction fragments. All possible oligonucleotides up to length five are found at least once flanked by known restriction recognition patterns. Thus, searches in the database for a specific sequence corresponding to a desired oligonucleotide would often point to one or more sources of short, retrievable fragments containing that sequence. These results underscore the potential of nucleic acid sequence databases in planning experiments.
Benefit assessment of using continuous descent approaches at Atlanta

The use of continuous descent approaches (CDAs) has been discussed numerous times in recent years and has even seen limited demonstrations and implementations in the US and Europe. Even though almost all CDA discussion thus far has been focused on the benefits associated with reduction in noise and emissions, there are huge potential savings for airlines if CDAs were to be implemented. This research outlines a simple approach at quantifying the benefits of CDAs using TAAM fast-time simulation. As the results from this research show, allowing non altitude restricted STARs which have the 2D track freedom to fly direct to the base-leg following the IAF can save airlines approximately 1 minute of flight-time per operations and up to $30 million in fuel annually. All of these savings can be realized without increasing the air traffic controller de-confliction workload, potentially even reducing counts of proximities observed.
Bacteriophage of Haemophilus influenzae: I. Differences between infection by whole phage, extracted phage DNA and prophage DNA extracted from lysogenic cells

Abstract A recombination-deficient strain of Haemophilus influenzae is infected with DNA from phage HP 1 c 1 much less efficiently than is the wild type, although DNA uptake and whole-phage infection are equally efficient in the two strains. When the cells have been made competent in rich organic medium, the efficiency of transfection of wild-type cells by phage DNA, but not by DNA from lysogenic cells, increases with increasing concentration of DNA. However, in the rec − strain, or in wild-type cells made competent in a defined medium, the transfection efficiency is independent of concentration. Dimeric forms of phage DNA separated by sedimentation velocity transfect the wild-type cell made competent in the organic medium more efficiently than monomer DNA, but they do not transfect the rec − strain or wild-type cells made competent in a defined medium. It is concluded that recombination is required for most wild-type transfections in the rich medium, either dimer molecules recombining with themselves or monomer molecules combining with each other, to convert damaged molecules to single intact molecules that have two cohesive ends and are capable of replication. Following whole phage infection, lysogenization readily occurs; but we have detected no lysogenization after transfection with either phage DNA or DNA from lysogenic cells.
Weighted weak-type inequalities for the maximal function of nonnegative integral transforms over approach regions

The relation between approach regions and singularities of nonnegative kernels Kt(x,y) is studied, where t E (O,oo), x, y E X, and X is a homogeneous space. For 1 < p < q < oc, a sufficient condition on approach regions Qa (a E X) is given so that the maximal function sup f Kt(x, y)f(y) du(y) (X,t) E aX is weak-type (p, q) with respect to a pair of measures a and w. It is shown that this condition is also necessary for operators of potential type in the sense of Sawyer and Wheedon (Amer. J. Math. 114 (1992), 813-874).
Source directivity, signal decorrelation, spectral modulation and analysis of spatio-temporal patterns of multiple explosions

Spectral modulation is used as a criterion for discriminating multiple mining explosions from earthquakes and single blasts. Features in the spectra of regional arrivals from quarry blasts may be explained by the spatio-temporal configuration of shot patterns and are explored via a model based on spatial waveform decorrelation and propagation delay (directivity) effects. The phenomenon of decreasing modulation with decreasing average phase velocities of the seismic wave arrivals can be attributed to a trend of decreasing similarities of waveforms with increasing distance between individual explosions making up the shot pattern for the respective arrivals. Resealing of the modulation patterns with respect to frequency can be explained by the Doppler effect.
A Universe with No Designer

: Does the universe shows signs of having been designed by a deity like those of traditional monotheistic religions? Physics is in a better position than religion to give a partly satisfying explanation of the world. Recent developments in cosmology help explain why the measured values of the cosmological constant and other physical constants are favorable for the appearance of intelligent life. The presence of evil and misery disturbs those who believe in a benevolent and omnipotent God. It is not necessary to argue that evil in the world proves that the universe is not designed, but only that there are no signs of benevolence that might have shown the hand of a designer.
Serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factors and placental lactogen during gestation in cattle. II. Maternal profiles

This study was designed to examine the effects of fetal growth potential on maternal hormones and lipid metabolism. Sixty beef heifers were inseminated with semen from sires with high (H) or low (L) expected progeny differences for birth weight. Maternal serum was collected at 21-d intervals from Day 85 to Day 274 of gestation. Serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, IGF-II, placental lactogen (PL), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) were determined and correlated to fetal and maternal characteristics. Maternal serum IGF-I declined throughout pregnancy, whereas IGF-II was relatively constant and PL tended to increase. Maternal serum NEFA was low and invariant through Day 211 of gestation when it rose 3.5 times to peak levels at Day 253 and declined at Day 274. PL was positively correlated to NEFA (r = 0.37, P < 0.01), IGF-I was negatively correlated (P < 0.01) to NEFA and PL (r = -0.59, and -0.35, respectively), and IGF-II was negatively correlated to NEFA (r = -0.35, P < 0.01). Dams pregnant with H fetuses had lower (P = 0.02) serum IGF-I and tended to have higher (P = 0.09) serum PL concentrations than dams carrying L fetuses. Additionally, dams pregnant with L fetuses had higher (P < 0.03) serum IGF-II concentrations than dams with H fetuses (175.6 vs. 145.0 ng/ml) during the third trimester. Fetal sex had no effect on any maternal serum parameter. Fetal weight and instantaneous growth rate (IGR) were positively correlated to maternal NEFA and PL and negatively correlated to maternal IGF-I and IGF-II. Independent IGR effects were detected for PL (P < 0.06) and IGF-I (P < 0.0005) concentrations. Maternal hip height was negatively related to serum IGF-I and positively related to serum PL concentrations. Maternal body weight and body condition score were correlated with several serum parameters but were confounded by day of gestation. Correlation analysis of serum concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-II, and PL did not support the hypothesis that PL regulates IGF concentrations.
Ectopic T cell receptor-α locus control region activity in B cells is suppressed by direct linkage to two flanking genes at once.

The molecular mechanisms regulating the activity of the TCRα gene are required for the production of the circulating T cell repertoire. Elements of the mouse TCRα locus control region (LCR) play a role in these processes. We previously reported that TCRα LCR DNA supports a gene expression pattern that mimics proper thymus-stage, TCRα gene-like developmental regulation. It also produces transcription of linked reporter genes in peripheral T cells. However, TCRα LCR-driven transgenes display ectopic transcription in B cells in multiple reporter gene systems. The reasons for this important deviation from the normal TCRα gene regulation pattern are unclear. In its natural locus, two genes flank the TCRα LCR, TCRα (upstream) and Dad1 (downstream). We investigated the significance of this gene arrangement to TCRα LCR activity by examining transgenic mice bearing a construct where the LCR was flanked by two separate reporter genes. Surprisingly, the presence of a second, distinct, reporter gene downstream of the LCR virtually eliminated the ectopic B cell expression of the upstream reporter observed in earlier studies. Downstream reporter gene activity was unaffected by the presence of a second gene upstream of the LCR. Our findings indicate that a gene arrangement in which the TCRα LCR is flanked by two distinct transcription units helps to restrict its activity, selectively, on its 5′-flanking gene, the natural TCRα gene position with respect to the LCR. Consistent with these findings, a TCRα/Dad1 locus bacterial artificial chromosome dual-reporter construct did not display the ectopic upstream (TCRα) reporter expression in B cells previously reported for single TCRα transgenes.
Selected chemical elements in tissues of pheasants fed corn grain from sewage sludge-amended soil☆

Corn (Zea mays L.) grain from soil amended with anaerobically digested municipal sewage sludge was fed to pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). Although applications of sludge significantly increased Zn, Cd, Ni, K, and P contents of corn grain and decreased Mn content, only Cd was significantly increased in duodenal, liver, and kidney tissue when the grain was fed to pheasants. Maximum amounts of Cd found in the liver and kidney were similar to levels reported for birds of about the same age from wild populations, as well as for those fed commercial chow and corn grain. Cadmium was more efficiently absorbed and deposited in bird tissues with decreasing concentrations of the element in corn grain. Grain consumption and weight changes were unrelated to chemical composition of the grain. There was little indication that elevated levels of Cd in bird tissues substantially affected absorption and deposition of other elements.
Efficacy of thermal treatment and copper-silver ionization for controlling Legionella pneumophila in high-volume hot water plumbing systems in hospitals

Abstract Background: Thermal treatment and copper-silver ionization are often used for controlling Legionella pneumophila in high-volume hospital plumbing systems, although the comparative efficacies of these measures in high-volume systems are unknown. Methods: Thermal treatment of a hot water circuit was accomplished by flushing hot water (>60° C) through distal fixtures for 10 minutes. Copper-silver ionization was conducted in three circuits by installing units into return lines immediately upstream from hot water tanks. Recovery rates of L. pneumophila were monitored by culturing swab samples from faucets. Concentrations of copper and silver in water samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: Four heat-flush treatments failed to provide long-term control of L. pneumophila . In contrast, ionization treatment reduced the rate of recovery of L. pneumophila from 108 faucets from 72% to 2% within 1 month and maintained effective control for at least 22 months. Only three samples (1.9%) of hot water from faucets exceeded Environmental Protection Agency standards for silver, and none exceeded the standards for copper. Of 24 samples obtained from hot water tanks, 42% and 50% exceeded the silver and copper standards, respectively. Conclusions: Copper-silver ionization effectively controls L. pneumophila in high-volume plumbing systems and is superior to thermal treatment; however, high concentrations of copper and silver can accumulate at the bottom of hot water tanks.
MPC-Based Voltage/Var Optimization for Distribution Circuits With Distributed Generators and Exponential Load Models

This paper proposes a model predictive control (MPC)-based voltage/var optimization (VVO) technique considering the integration of distributed generators and load-to-voltage sensitivities. The paper schedules optimal tap positions of on-load tap changer and switch statuses of capacitor banks based on predictive outputs of wind turbines and photovoltaic generators. Compared with previous efforts on VVO which used constant-power load model, the exponential load model is used to capture the various load behaviors in this paper. Different customer types such as industrial, residential, and commercial loads are also considered. The uncertainties of model prediction errors are taken into account in the proposed model. A scenario reduction technique is applied to enhance a tradeoff between the accuracy of the solution and the computational burden. The MPC-based VVO problem is formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear program with reduced scenarios. Case studies show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Reactions of Laser-Ablated Molybdenum and Tungsten Atoms with Nitric Oxide. Infrared Spectra of the MN, NMO, and M-η1-(NO)x (x = 1, 2, 3, 4) Molecules and (NO)2+ and (NO)2- Ions in Solid Argon

Laser-ablated Mo and W atoms react with NO to give primarily the nitride−oxide insertion products NMoO and NWO, but weak MoN and WN absorptions are also observed. The NMoO and NWO molecules are identified from isotopic substitution (nMo, 15N, 18O) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The M−N and M−O stretching frequencies of the 2A‘ state NMoO and NWO molecules are predicted by DFT (scale factors 0.936 ± 0.004 and 0.966 ± 0.005, respectively), but more importantly, the isotopic shifts (and normal modes) are well-described by DFT isotopic frequencies. The higher energy MoNO isomer is observed, but WNO and the M-η2-NO complexes are not found. The M-(η1-NO)x (x = 2, 3, 4) complexes are observed: mixed isotopic splittings indicate that Mo(NO)4 is tetrahedral, like Cr(NO)4, but the spectra show that W(NO)4 is distorted to C2v symmetry. In addition, a weak 3643.5 cm-1 combination band and strong 1589.3 cm-1 fundamental for (NO)2+ and the strong fundamentals for cis- and trans-(NO)2- were observed.
Multi-Year Evaluation of Model-Based Weed Control Under Variable Crop and Tillage Conditions

Abstract Selecting effective weed management options requires biological, ecological, and economic information. This study compared model-based to standard-herbicide weed control in a corn (Zea mays L.)/soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation that had a long-term history of different tillage and weed management practices. The model integrates weed population dynamics, herbicide efficacies, and economic information to evaluate preplant incorporated (PPI) or preemergence (PRE) weed control options based on weed seed bank size and postem-ergence (POST) strategies based on weed seedling densities. There were fewer weeds in standard-herbicide compared with model-based treatments. No-tillage had the greatest numbers of weeds 3 out of 4 years. Soybean yield was reduced the first year of the study in several treatments receiving model-based weed control and the third year in all model-based treatments. Corn yields were greatest in reduced tillage. Resuits of using model recommendations to control weeds were mix...
LOW-TEMPERATURE STUDY OF THE IRON-MEDIATED 4 + 1 CYCLIZATION OF ALLENYL KETONES WITH CARBON MONOXIDE

Low-temperature FTIR studies were conducted to probe the mechanism of the Fe(CO)5-catalyzed [4 + 1] cyclization of allenyl ketones and CO to form α-alkylidenebutenolides. Photolysis of Fe(CO)5 in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2MeTHF) at 190−230 K produced an iron carbonyl solvento species, Fe(CO)4(2MeTHF). When the matrix was warmed, Fe(CO)5 was regenerated quantitatively. Photolysis of Fe(CO)5 (in 2MeTHF) at 230 K in the presence of 5-methyl-3,4-hexadien-2-one under similar conditions gave Fe(CO)4(2MeTHF) initially. Warming the samples regenerates a portion of the Fe(CO)5 while a new band appears at 1767 cm-1 corresponding to the α-alkylidenebutenolide 11. Kinetic experiments at 243 K show no dependence upon CO or allenyl ketone. Reactions in pyridine gave significantly slower rates than THF. This is consistent with rate-determining dissociation of the coordinated solvent to form an unsaturated iron center.
Solving geometric TSP with ants

This paper presents an ant-based approach for solving the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). Novel concepts of this algorithm that distinguish it from the other heuristics are the inclusion of a preprocessing stage and the use of a modified version of an ant-based approach with local optimization in multi stages. Experimental results show that this algorithm outperforms ACS [1] and is comparable to MMAS [4] for Euclidean TSP instances. Of the 40 instances of Euclidean TSP from TSPLIB [5] that were tested, this algorithm found the optimal solution for 37 instances. For the remaining instances, this algorithm returned solutions that were within 0.3% of the optimum.
Dopaminergic modulation of nitric oxide synthase activity in subregions of the rat nucleus accumbens

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous neurotransmitter synthesized in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) by aspiny interneurons containing neuronal NO synthase (nNOS). nNOS activity is readily assayed using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) staining and is believed to be regulated by activation of dopamine (DA) D1- and D2-like receptors. However, the role of DA transmission in the regulation of nNOS activity in identified subregions of the NAc remains unexplored. In this study, the impact of pharmacological manipulations of D1, D2, and NMDA receptors on nNOS activity was determined using optical density measures of NADPH-d staining preformed in multiple subdivisions (core, medial shell, intermediate shell, and lateral shell) of the NAc. Awake behaving rats received systemic administration of vehicle and/or the following drugs ~25 min prior to tissue harvesting: the nNOS inhibitor N(G) -propyl-L-arginine (NPA), the D1 receptor agonist SKF 81297, the D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390, the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole (QNP), the D2 receptor antagonist eticlopride (ETI), or the NMDA receptor antagonist 3-((±)2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP). In vehicle-treated animals, a distinct medial-lateral histochemical gradient of NADPH-d staining was observed, which was characterized by moderate staining in the core and medial shell and more robust staining in the intermediate and lateral shell. Administration of NPA, SCH 23390, QNP, and CPP attenuated staining preferentially in the intermediate and lateral shell. SKF 81297 and ETI administration consistently increased staining in the medial shell in a manner, which was attenuated following pretreatment with SCH 23390, QNP, NPA, and CPP. These observations demonstrate that nNOS activity measured in distinct subregions of the NAc is differentially modulated by DA D1 and D2 receptor activation. Moreover, these findings demonstrate for the first time that DA D1 and D2 receptor activation regulates the facilitatory influence of glutamatergic transmission on nNOS activity in the NAc medial shell via facilitation (D1) or suppression (D2) of NMDA receptor function.
The Personal Meaning of Social Values in the Work of Abraham Maslow

Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) was, with Carl Rogers, the co-founder of what came to be known as the Third Force school of psychology. Considered a neo-Freudian in the post-psychoanalytical school, Maslow became a leader in the development of new modalities of treatment using psychotherapeutic techniques developed in his practice over many years and ultimately became a celebrated scholar and teaching using his concept of the hierarchy of needs and self-actualization. Where Maslow has too often and undeservedly been overlooked is in his exploration of the meaning and nature of values in the arena of public education. This essay is an attempt to correct this common oversight.
Deceleration of high-energy protons by heavy nuclei

Proton-nucleus reactions are discussed in the framework of the evolution model proposed by Hwa. The longitudinal-momentum distributions of baryons are calculated and compared with the data. A momentum-degradation length of 5.7 to 6.9 fm is found. These results are contrasted with other recent theoretical analyses. The implication is that the central cores of heavy nuclei such as U and Pb may stop each other at beam energies up to 25 GeV per nucleon.
Progesterone inhibition of estrogen-induced maternal behavior in hysterectomized-ovariectomized virgin rats.

Abstract Hysterectomized-ovariectomized virgin rats were tested for maternal behavior following treatment with 100 μg/kg EB immediately at surgery and either oil, 0.5 or 5.0 mg progesterone either 0, 24 or 44 hr following surgery. Stimulus pups were presented 48 hr postoperatively which is counted as Day 0 of testing. EB + oil-treated females displayed short-latency maternal behavior beginning on Day 0. The injection of 5.0 mg progesterone at 0, 24, or 44 hr significantly inhibited the onset of maternal care while the effect of the lower dose of progesterone depended upon the timing of its administration in relation to that of EB. At a dose of 0.5 mg, progesterone given 24 hr following EB, inhibited the appearance of maternal behavior but had no effect given at 44 hr, and resulted in only a partial delay when given at the same time as the EB. Possible mechanisms by which progesterone interfered with the display of maternal behavior were discussed.
Cognitive Robotics and Multiagency in a Fuzzy Modeling Framework

Fuzzy algebraic structures are a useful and flexible tool for modeling cognitive agents and their societies. In this article we propose a fuzzy algebraic framework where the valuating sets are other than the unit interval lattices, partially ordered sets or relational structures. This provides for a flexible organization of the information gathered by the agent via interactions with the environment and/or other agents and enables its selected use when different drives are active. Agents Petitage, ANNA, POPSICLE and Izbushka, which are instantiations of our model, are also given in order to illustrate the use of this framework, as well as its possible extensions.
Patterns of mammographically detected calcifications after breast-conserving therapy associated with tumor recurrence

BACKGROUND Some authors have suggested that mammographically evident calcifications that would be considered benign in other situations can be due to carcinoma in women who have undergone breast conservation. This study was undertaken to determine if the pattern of calcifications associated with recurrent tumors detected mammographically differs from that observed in carcinomas developing de novo. METHODS Mammograms of 22 cases of local tumor recurrence were retrospectively reviewed, and calcifications associated with recurrence were characterized according to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) classification. RESULTS Tumors were usually associated with ≥ 10 calcifications (77%; 17 of 22 cases). Recurrences commonly contained very suspicious patterns of calcifications with linear forms present in 15 cases (68%) and pleomorphic calcifications present in 17 cases (77%). The distribution of calcifications was usually clustered (73%; 16 of 22 cases) or segmental (18%; 4 of 22 cases). Recurrences were usually obviously malignant (BI-RADS Category 5), and were characterized as such in 77% of cases. The remainder were indeterminate, requiring biopsy (BI-RADS Category 4). Recurrent tumors containing calcifications always contained some suspicious forms. Less worrisome types of calcifications were sometimes observed, including punctate calcifications in 36% and coarse calcifications in 14% of cases, but were always associated with more malignant patterns. CONCLUSIONS Local tumor recurrences, when associated with mammographically evident calcifications, usually have a pattern highly suspicious for malignancy, although indeterminate forms can be the only calcifications present. Characteristically benign patterns of calcifications are not observed in recurrent tumors unless they are associated with more suspicious calcifications. Therefore, women without more worrisome patterns need not undergo biopsy because of the presence of these nonworrisome calcifications. Cancer 1997; 79:1355-61. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Physiological and haematological responses in rainbow trout subjected to supplemental dissolved oxygen in fish culture

Growth and food conversion did not differ in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) acclimated to hyperoxic (130%), normoxic (100%), or hypoxic (65%) dissolved oxygen concentrations for 10 weeks. Acclimation to supersaturated dissolved oxygen resulted in lower blood haemoglobin, haematocrit, and total red blood cell concentration. Within 6 h of a confinement challenge in their respective oxygen regime, fish acclimated to 10 weeks of hyperoxic and hypoxic dissolved oxygen exhibited similar stress responses in duration and magnitude (plasma cortisol, glucose, osmolality, blood lactate) compared to fish in normoxic oxygen conditions which acclimatized to the confinement stress. The stress of the challenge imposed an oxygen demand that was met by separate compensatory strategies to increase oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood. Hyperoxic and hypoxic fish utilized cellular swelling as evidenced by the increase in mean corpuscular volume, and normoxic fish responded with cellular recruitment as evidence by the increase in total red blood cell concentration. The implication of supplemental dissolved oxygen usage in intensive aquaculture is discussed.
Transcriptional but not translational regulation of HIV-1 by the tat gene product

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), which causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), possesses an essential gene, tat, whose product, acting through the long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences of HIV-1, activates viral genes and replication. The mechanism by which tat trans-activates HIV genes is unclear. Some studies have reported that an increase in messenger RNA accumulation directed by the HIV-1 LTR can explain the action of tat, but others suggest that this increase in mRNA levels can only partially explain trans-activation, and that translational control mechanisms may also be involved. To test those possibilities we have established an efficient adenovirus system for delivering the HIV-1 LTR attached to a reporter gene (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase; CAT) into cells and monitoring its activity. The HIV-1 LTR expressed from this adenovirus responds to trans-activation in a HeLa cell line constitutively expressing the tat protein by increasing the transcription rate of the HIV-1 LTR and the accumulation of mRNA encoding CAT. In this system the translational efficiency of this CAT mRNA in the cell is unaffected by the presence of tat.
Investigation of communication media requirements for self healing power distribution systems

Todays electric power distribution systems are very complex and power systems restructuring also has introduced new complexities in controlling of these systems. Multi agent systems (MAS) are one of the popular approaches to improve the efficiency, reliability and safety through automated distributed control and modern communication technologies in power systems. A multi agent system structure could be centralized, hierarchical or distributed and communication system plays a key role in establishing any control strategy using multi agent systems. This paper presents a comparison between wired and wireless communication media performance in self-healing power distribution systems. Power systems dynamics gets influenced by the communication delays in the network and the purpose of this work is to study the effect of communication media on different multi agent system structures used in literature, in order to determine the suitable MAS and media choices for power distribution networks. The comparison criteria are delay (latency) and reliability of each communication media. In this study an existing Mon Power circuit is used as test network. Matlab® Simulink software and S-functions (user-defined functions) are used to integrate the power system and communication network models and build a co-simulation framework for this study.
Design of a dynamically stable horizontal plane runner

This paper describes the development of a horizontal-plane dynamic running robot based on a reduced order locomotion model, the Lateral-Leg Spring (LLS) model. Contributions include the development of a scaled, actuated, distributed mass simulation of the model, control approaches to compensate for physical and motor limitations, and the design and fabrication of bipedal running robot that instantiates the horizontal plane dynamics of the LLS model.
Identification of candidate genes for controlling development of the basilar pons by differential display PCR.

The basilar pons, a major hindbrain nucleus involved in sensory-motor integration, has become a model system for studying long-distance neuronal migration, axon-target recognition by collateral branching, and the formation of patterned axonal projections. To identify genes potentially involved in these developmental events, we have performed a differential display PCR screen comparing RNA isolated from the developing basilar pons with RNA obtained from developing cerebellum and olfactory bulb, as well as the mature basilar pons. Using 400 different combinations of primers, we screened more than 11,000 labeled DNA fragments and identified 201 that exhibited higher expression in the basilar pons than in the control tissues. From these, 138 distinct gene fragments were cloned. The differential expression of a large subset of these fragments was confirmed using RNase protection assays. In situ hybridization analysis revealed that the expression of many of these genes is limited to the basilar pons and only a few other brain regions, suggesting that they may play specific roles in pontine development.
Comparison of ab Initio and Empirical Potentials for H-Atom Association with Diamond Surfaces

Canonical variational transition-state theory (CVTST) is used to compare H + CH{sub 3} and H + diamond [111] association rate constants calculated from the Brenner empirical potential function and molecular anharmonic potentials written with switching (MAPS) functions. Previous work has shown that the MAPS function, derived from ab initio calculations, give rate constants in agreement with experiment. For the 300-2000 K temperature range, the Brenner potential function gives CVST H + CH{sub 3} and H + diamond [111] association rate constants which are 159-30 and 49-7 times smaller, respectively, than the values from the MAPS functions. An analysis of the Brenner potential function shows that it inaccurately represents the intermediate and long-range H- - -C association potential, which controls the structure of the variational transition state and the CVTST rate constant. The MAPS functions give H + CH{sub 3} and H + diamond [111] variational transition states with similar properties. Angular momentum and external rotation have no effect on the H + diamond [111] association rate constant, which makes it approximately an order-of-magnitude smaller than that for H + CH{sub 3} association. 59 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs.
NMR Studies of Hindered Rotation. The Diels-Alder Adduct of Phencyclone with p-Benzoquinone: Restricted Motion of Bridgehead Phenyls

Abstract The Diels-Alder adduct of phencyclone with p-benzoquinone has been examined by 1H NMR at 300 MHz in CDCl3 at ambient temperatures for evidence of hindered rotation of the unsubstituted bridgehead phenyl groups. The nearly first-order spectrum exhibits four approximate doublets and five approximate triplets in the aromatic region, of roughly equal intensity (ca. 2H). This is consistent with a slow-exchange limit (SEL) spectrum of the hindered phenyls. For rapidly rotating phenyls, the predicted fast-exchange limit (FEL) spectrum would have shown two 2H doublets and one 4H doublet, in addition to three 2H triplets and one 4H triplet, in the aryl region. Full 1H assignments have been made, based on the two-dimensional 1H-1H homonuclear chemical shift correlation spectrum (COSY) and expected magnetic anisotropy effects.
An Optical Alignment Robot System

We have designed and built a robot system for the automated alignment of optical fibers. A generalized alignment problem consists of a photodetector and electro-optical circuitry contained in a package. This is a difficult task that requires very high precision (1gm) translational movement with little backlash, and high speed manipulation (> 5 mm/sec). The robot system has closed-loop computer control and intelligent feedback to allow active alignment of the system, i.e., the optical components need to be manipulated while monitoring the output of the optical system. High-precision adjustments are needed in three dimensions, with sub-micron step increments. The robot system consists of an xy stage and an x-y-z translation stage, with closed-loop feedback control. As the optical fiber is inserted into the package, the optical fiber comes in close proximity to the photodetector. The alignment of the optical fiber to the photodetector occurs by a device which grasps the optical fiber. The fiber is translated in three dimensions within the package. The optical power coupled into the fiber serves as the control signal. Optimum alignment time can be achieved in < 10 s despite the complications caused by localized minima, with -40 dB of peak coupling power. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the general problem of precision alignment.
Hydrodynamic Modeling of the Response of the Solar Atmosphere to Bombardment by a Beam of Nonthermal Protons

Using a one-dimensional time-dependent numerical hydrodynamic model, we examine the response of the solar atmosphere to heating by a beam of energetic protons with a characteristic energy near 1 MeV. At these energies, the coronal portion of the flaring loop must be treated as a "warm" target, while the chromospheric portion behaves as a "cold" target. This results in a more uniform heating in the coronal portions of the loop than is the case with energetic electrons, leading to smaller pressure gradients and lower plasma upflow velocities. Such lower velocities would appear at first to be more consistent with observed soft X-ray line profiles. However, velocity differential emission measures computed at various times in the calculation show that heating by energetic protons does not satisfactorily reproduce the atmospheric response as inferred from such observations.
Epithelialization of the lining of a breast implant capsule. Possible origin of squamous cell carcinoma associated with a breast implant capsule

The authors described a case in which the capsule surrounding a breast implant was lined by benign squamous epithelium. A second case, in which a woman was found to have a squamous cell carcinoma in the capsule surrounding a breast implant, was also reported.
Seismic surface wave testing for track substructure assessment

This paper presents some results of a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sponsored research project on using seismic surface waves to evaluate track substructure (ballast and subgrade) condition and performance. The main objective of this project is to develop a system for rapidly, nondestructively, and quantitatively assessing the engineering properties of the track substructure (ballast and subgrade). These engineering properties — shear modulus, Young’s modulus, and shear strength — are derived from measurement of the shear wave velocity profile and can be used to evaluate track safety and to predict inspection and maintenance intervals. This paper describes the seismic testing, results of field measurements, and numerical modeling of the seismic wave propagation in the track substructure. Procedural issues addressed by the numerical models and presented herein include the size and location of the excitation source and orientation and spacing of the receiving accelerometers.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
A Method of Obtaining Prediction Intervals

Abstract A method is given for obtaining a prediction interval for a variable Y with distribution F Y (y/θ) based on observations x 1, ···, x n from distribution F x (x/θ), where θ is a common parameter to both distributions. The method uses the conditional distribution of y given t, where t is a sufficient statistic for θ in the joint distribution of (X 1, ···, X n , Y). Sample applications are given for the negative exponential and Poisson distributions.
THE ROLE OF THE TRADITIONAL RESEARCH DESIGN IN UNDERESTIMATING THE VALIDITY OF THE EMPLOYMENT INTERVIEW

Building upon the suggestions of Arvey and Campion (1982) and Zedeck, Tziner, and Middlestadt (1983), this paper calls into question the traditional approach to validating the employment interview. A general review of the literature reveals that individuals are likely to differ in their ability to provide accurate predictions of employee behavior and that interviewers often differ in their constant tendency to make favorable or unfavorable ratings. A review of published validation studies shows that most researchers fail to consider these tendencies and, therefore, may be inappropriately collapsing data across multiple interviewers. Through analytic argument we conclude that reviews of the existing literature will likely underestimate the usefulness of this widely used technique.
Trisomy 19 in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome and thrombocytosis

A patient with refractory anemia with excess blasts, ringed sideroblasts, and thrombocytosis was found on cytogenetic analysis to have trisomy 19 as the sole abnormality. Although trisomy 19 in combination with other chromosomal anomalies has been encountered in association with a variety of hematologic malignancies, many solid tumors, and the myelodysplastic syndrome, its occurrence as the only cytogenetic aberration is rare and has not been reported in association with thrombocythemia.
Open cell poly(vinyl chloride) foams by mechanical frothing of plastisols

PVC plastisols were formulated with silicone surfactant, mechanically shipped to form froths, and oven-fused to form open-cell foams. These were much softer than conventional chemically-blown foams which contain mixtures of open and closed cells. Increasing plasticizer content and decreasing foam density also had the expected softening effects on foam properties.
Utility of a New Bolus-Injectable Nanoparticle for Clinical Cancer Staging

BACKGROUND: In this study, we report on the use of a new, bolus-injectable, carboxymethyl dextran-based magnetic nanoparticle (MNP), ferumoxytol, to improve detection in loco-regional lymph nodes by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: This preliminary study was performed as a prospective, single-center, open label pilot study to determine the magnitude of nodal MRI signal changes and to determine the optimal time points for imaging following intravenous (IV) bolus injection of the MNP. The study group consisted of 10 patients, all of whom were diagnosed with prostate cancer before any systemic therapy. RESULTS: All 10 patients had lymph nodes evaluated by histopathology. Of the evaluated 26 lymph nodes, 20 were benign and 6 were malignant. The mean short-axis diameter of benign lymph nodes was 6 mm and the mean short-axis diameter of malignant lymph nodes was 7 mm. Following IV administration, there was a significant change in mean signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of benign lymph nodes (P < .0001) whereas there was little change in the mean SNR of malignant nodes (P = .1624). No adverse events were encountered. CONCLUSION: Ferumoxytol is safe and, at the appropriate circulation interval, modulates nodal signal intensity, allowing for identification of malignant nodal involvement by MRI.
Predation, behavior, and attachment by Chrysoperla plorabunda larvae on Brassica oleracea with different surface waxblooms

Predation by Chrysoperla plorabunda (Fitch) (Chrysopidae) first instars on Plutella xylostella (L.) (Plutellidae) neonates was measured on nine Brassica oleracea L. types with different surface wax crystal morphology. Forty-eight-hour survival of P. xylostella caged on leaves was significantly reduced by C. plorabunda on plants expressing ‘glossy’ mutations that reduce surface waxbloom, but not on plants with normal waxbloom. During 5-min observations, C. plorabunda spent more time walking and less time ‘scrambling’ (moving the legs with no locomotion) on glossy types than on the normal-wax types. Adhesive force produced by C. plorabunda on plant surfaces was 20 to 200-fold greater on glossy types than on normal-wax types. All the glossy types provided an advantage to C. plorabunda over normal-wax types by increasing the force of attachment to the leaf suface by the larvae, which in turn increased time allocated to walking, leading to greater predation of P. xylostella larvae. Among glossy and normal wax types together, attachment force and time allocated to walking were significantly correlated with predation by C. plorabunda. Within glossy or normal-wax types, however, these correlations were not significant. Neither time allocated to walking, nor attachment to the leaf surface was a predictor of predation by C. plorabunda within glossy or normal-wax types. Although diverse mechanisms therefore contribute to differences in predation, the results show that reduction in waxbloom can substantially affect the mobility and effectiveness of this generalist predator.
Postural adjustment errors during lateral step initiation in older and younger adults

The purpose was to examine age differences and varying levels of step response inhibition on the performance of a voluntary lateral step initiation task. Seventy older adults (70–94 years) and twenty younger adults (21–58 years) performed visually cued step initiation conditions based on direction and spatial location of arrows, ranging from a simple choice reaction time task to a perceptual inhibition task that included incongruous cues about which direction to step (e.g., a left pointing arrow appearing on the right side of a monitor). Evidence of postural adjustment errors and step latencies were recorded from vertical ground reaction forces exerted by the stepping leg. Compared with younger adults, older adults demonstrated greater variability in step behavior, generated more postural adjustment errors during conditions requiring inhibition, and had greater step initiation latencies that increased more than younger adults as the inhibition requirements of the condition became greater. Step task performance was related to clinical balance test performance more than executive function task performance.
Evaluation of Telephone Support Groups for Persons With HIV Disease

In this article we describe the development and field testing of a telephone support group project for persons with HIV disease using the Thomas and Rothman integrative framework for intervention research. We report results from the evaluation of the field test examining data from the 18 participants' pre- and postquestionnaires related to five outcomes: (a) self-efficacy, (b) social isolation, (c) social support, (d) coping with living with HIV disease, and (e) evaluation of the group experience. Field test results in accomplishing these aims were mixed. We found significant positive changes in some aspects of self-efficacy and in social isolation, but not in social support and coping. Results from the posttest indicated that participants rated the group experience as beneficial and that they were very satisfied with their participation in the groups.
Should women get screening bone mass measurements

Excerpt OSTEOPOROSIS, once considered a boring disease if considered at all, has now become fashionable. This new interest has led to greater patient education and more intensive research into the ...
Hans Ris--from chromatin fibres, through nuclear tracks, to nuclear pores.

Contemporary structural cell biology not only provides information concerning cell architecture, but also serves as an integrative factor for various specialized areas of cell biology, biochemistry, physiology and molecular biology. It does so by localizing various cell functions to specific cell structures or organelles through the use of modern research tools involving immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization and enzymatic assay. With the microscope as its primary tool, progress in structural cell biology is based upon two key factors: the development of new imaging instrumentation and technologies as well as the invention of novel cell-preparation and labelling methods. Here, we present the scientific contributions of Hans Ris (Fig. 1), who pioneered these two prerequisites of structural cell biology. One image is worth thousands of words
Modified Betatron Accelerator Data Acquisition and Control System

This article describes the planning and implementation of the NRL Modified Betatron Accelerator (MBA) data acquisition and control system (DACS). The design goal of the MBA is to accelerate multi-kiloampere electron beam pulses to 50 MeV. It employs an applied toroidal magnetic field in addition to the rising vertical fields of a conventional Betatron. Theoretical studies show that the toroidal field improves the stability and equilibrium properties of the device at high currents. The accelerator hardware consists of three capacitor banks, the precision injector accelerator, toroidal and vertical field coils, vacuum chamber and pumping system, and intense relativistic electron beam diode. The task of the DACS is to conduct the safe and efficient firing of the MBA and the data acquisition and archiving of accelerator function.
Is it useful to define residual feed intake as a trait in animal breeding programs

Residual feed intake is a linear function of feed intake, production and maintenance of liveweight, and as such is an attractive characteristic to use to represent production efficiency. The phenotypic and genetic parameters of residual feed intake can be written as a function of its constituent traits. Moreover, selection indices containing the constituent traits are equivalent with an index that includes residual feed intake. Therefore, definition of the term residual feed intake may be useful to interpret variation in production efficiency, but it does not help in obtaining a better selection response than selection on constituent traits alone. In fact, multiple trait genetic evaluation of constituent traits rather than residual feed intake is likely to be more accurate as this more appropriately accommodates different models for the constituent traits and missing data. For residual feed intake to reflect true biological efficiency in growing animals, it is important that feed intake and liveweight are accurately measured. Accounting for growth and body composition would significantly help in revealing between-animal variation in feed utilisation. Random regression models can be helpful in indicating variation in feed efficiency over the growth trajectory.
Effects of ATP depletion on the mechanism of hexose transport in intact human erythrocytes.

Abstract Depletion of ATP is known to inhibit glucose transport in human erythrocytes, but the kinetic mechanism of this effect is controversial. Selective ATP depletion of human erythrocytes by 10 μg/ml A23187 in the presence of extracellular calcium inhibited 3-O-methylglucose influx noncompetitively and efflux competitively. ATP depletion also decreased the ability of either equilibrated 3-O-methylglucose or extracellular maltose to inhibit cytochalasin B binding in intact cells, whereas neither total high-affinity cytochalasin B binding nor its Kd was affected. Under the one-site model of hexose transport these data indicate that ATP depletion decreases both the affinity of the inward-facing glucose carrier for substrate and its ability to reorient outwardly in intact cells.