cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Whole blood microarray analysis of pigs showing extreme phenotypes after a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection

The presence of variability in the response of pigs to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSv) infection, and recent demonstration of significant genetic control of such responses, leads us to believe that selection towards more disease resistant pigs could be a valid strategy to reduce its economic impact on the swine industry. To find underlying molecular differences in PRRS susceptible versus more resistant pigs, 100 animals with extremely different growth rates and viremia levels after PRRSv infection were selected from a total of 600 infected pigs. A microarray experiment was conducted on whole blood RNA samples taken at 0, 4 and 7 days post infection (dpi) from these pigs. From these data, we examined associations of gene expression with weight gain and viral load phenotypes. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker WUR10000125 (WUR) on the porcine 60 K SNP chip was shown to be associated with viral load and weight gain after PRRSv infection, and so the effect of the WUR10000125 (WUR) genotype on expression in whole blood was also examined. Limited information was obtained through linear modeling of blood gene differential expression (DE) that contrasted pigs with extreme phenotypes, for growth or viral load or between animals with different WUR genotype. However, using network-based approaches, molecular pathway differences between extreme phenotypic classes could be identified. Several gene clusters of interest were found when Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was applied to 4dpi contrasted with 0dpi data. The expression pattern of one such cluster of genes correlated with weight gain and WUR genotype, contained numerous immune response genes such as cytokines, chemokines, interferon type I stimulated genes, apoptotic genes and genes regulating complement activation. In addition, Partial Correlation and Information Theory (PCIT) identified differentially hubbed (DH) genes between the phenotypically divergent groups. GO enrichment revealed that the target genes of these DH genes are enriched in adaptive immune pathways. There are molecular differences in blood RNA patterns between pigs with extreme phenotypes or with a different WUR genotype in early responses to PRRSv infection, though they can be quite subtle and more difficult to discover with conventional DE expression analyses. Co-expression analyses such as WGCNA and PCIT can be used to reveal network differences between such extreme response groups.
The aftermath of Ford v. Wainwright

Whatever happened to Alvin Ford? This paper describes the aftermath of the Supreme Court's 1986 ruling in Ford v. Wainwright. The Ford decision held that exempting the mentally incompetent from execution is a matter of constitutional right, and hence the determination of who is competent for execution cannot be left solely in the hands of the executive branch of the government. We describe the hearing in Ford's case in federal district court that occurred after the Supreme Court's decision, the judge's ruling, and Ford's subsequent (and final) appeal. We conclude that despite the decision in Ford, it remains all but impossible for defense attorneys to prove that psychotic death row clients are incompetent for execution.
Inhibition of ubiquitin-protein ligase (E3) by mono- and bifunctional phenylarsenoxides. Evidence for essential vicinal thiols and a proximal nucleophile.

Trivalent arsenoxides bind to vicinal thiol groups of proteins. We showed previously that the simplest trivalent arsenoxide, inorganic arsenite, inhibits ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation in rabbit reticulocyte lysate (Klemperer, N.S., and Pickart, C.M. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 19245-19242). We now show that, relative to arsenite, phenylarsenoxides are 10-165-fold more potent inhibitors of protein degradation in the same system (K0.5 for inhibition by p-aminophenylarsenoxide was 3.5-20 microM, depending on the substrate). In the ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathway, covalent ligation of ubiquitin to protein substrates targets the latter for degradation. In certain cases, specificity in ubiquitin-substrate conjugation depends critically upon the properties of ubiquitin-protein ligase or E3. Among other effects, p-aminophenylarsenoxide decreased the steady-state level of ubiquitinated human alpha-lactalbumin; this is a substrate which is acted upon directly by ubiquitin-protein ligase-alpha (E3-alpha). This finding suggests that phenylarsenoxides (unlike arsenite) inhibit E3. Several other lines of evidence confirm this conclusion. 1) A complex of E3-alpha and the 14-kDa ubiquitin-conjugating (E2) isozyme binds to phenylarsenoxide-Sepharose resin, with the E3 component of the complex mediating binding. 2) p-Aminophenylarsenoxide inhibited isolated E3 (K0.5 approximately 50 microM); inhibition was readily reversed by addition of dithiothreitol (which contains a competing vicinal thiol group), but not by beta-mercaptoethylamine (a monothiol). 3) A bifunctional phenylarsenoxide (bromoacetylaminophenylarsenoxide) rapidly and irreversibly inactivated E3; bromoacetyl aniline, which lacks an arsenoxide moiety, did not inhibit E3. These results suggest that E3 possesses essential vicinal thiol groups and that there is a reactive nucleophile proximal to the vicinal thiol site. The bifunctional phenylarsenoxide should be a useful tool for probing the relationship between structure and function in E3. As expected from prior results with arsenite, p-aminophenylarsenoxide was also a potent inhibitor of the turnover of ubiquitin-(human) alpha-lactalbumin conjugates.
Hand, foot and mouth disease in Guangdong, China, in 2013: new trends in the continuing epidemic

Millions of incidents of hand, foot and mouth disease occur annually in China, with EVA71 and CVA16 as two major causative pathogens. A provincial surveillance system has been implemented in Guangdong for almost 5 years to analyze the aetiological spectrum and epidemic changes. An unusual enterovirus type, CVA6, was identified as the predominant serotype associated with an HFMD epidemic from late 2012 to 2013. In contrast to virus strains isolated before, all CVA6/CHN/2012–2013 strains segregated into one major genetic cluster. This study suggested that one cluster of circulating CVA6 strain had emerged as a new and major cause during a continuing HFMD epidemic in Guangdong, China.
Stromal Caveolin-1 Is Associated With Response and Survival in a Phase II Trial of nab-Paclitaxel With Carboplatin for Advanced NSCLC Patients.

Abstract Background The combination of bevacizumab with platinum-based chemotherapy results in greater response rate (RR) and overall survival (OS) in advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Bevacizumab is contraindicated in patients with squamous histology or hemoptysis. Nanoparticle albumin-bound ( nab )-paclitaxel is a novel formulation of paclitaxel with greater dose tolerance and improved efficacy. We hypothesized that nab -paclitaxel and carboplatin would be superior to alternative doublets in advanced NSCLC patients ineligible for bevacizumab. Patients and Methods We conducted a single-arm phase II trial (NCT00729612) with carboplatin and nab -paclitaxel on day 1 of a 21-day cycle to evaluate RR (primary end point), safety, toxicity, and OS. Eligibility included: squamous histology, hemoptysis, or ongoing anticoagulation. Correlative studies included immunohistochemistry for secreted protein acid rich in cysteine (SPARC) and caveolin-1 (Cav-1). Results Sixty-three patients were enrolled. Most patients had squamous cell carcinoma (n = 48); other reasons for eligibility included hemoptysis (n = 11) and anticoagulation (n = 2). Toxicity Grade ≥ 3/4 included neuropathy, cytopenias, and fatigue. RR was 38% (24 partial response/0 complete response); 20 patients had stable disease (32%). Median progression-free survival was 5 months and median OS was 9.7 months. Immunohistochemistry for SPARC and Cav-1 was performed in 38 and 37 patients respectively. Although no association was found for SPARC expression in tumor or stroma with RR or OS, we found that higher Cav-1 levels in tumor-associated stroma was associated with improved RR and OS. Conclusion Carboplatin and nab -paclitaxel every 21 days demonstrated promising efficacy with tolerable toxicity in NSCLC patients ineligible for bevacizumab therapy. Further analysis and validation of Cav-1 and SPARC expression in tumor and stromal compartments as prognostic and/or predictive biomarkers of NSCLC or nab -paclitaxel treatment is warranted.
Topical androgen antagonism promotes cutaneous wound healing without systemic androgen deprivation by blocking β‐catenin nuclear translocation and cross‐talk with TGF‐β signaling in keratinocytes

Orchidectomy in rodents and lower testosterone levels in men are associated with improved cutaneous wound healing. However, due to the adverse effects on skeletal and sexual tissues, systemic androgen blockade is not a viable therapeutic intervention. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that topical application of an androgen antagonist would elicit accelerated wound healing without systemic androgen antagonism. Full-thickness cutaneous wounds were created on adult C57BL6/J mice. Daily topical application of androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide, resulted in improved gap closure similar to orchiectomized controls and faster than orchidectomized mice treated with topical testosterone. In vivo data showed that the effects of androgen antagonism on wound closure primarily accelerate keratinocytes migration without effecting wound contraction. Consequently, mechanisms of testosterone action on reepithelialization were investigated in vitro by scratch wounding assays in confluent keratinocytes. Testosterone inhibited keratinocyte migration and this effect was in part mediated through promotion of nuclear translocation of β-catenin and by attenuating transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling through β-catenin. The link between Wnt and TGF beta signaling was confirmed by blocking β-catenin and by following TGF-β-induced transcription of a luciferase reporter gene. Together, these data show that blockade of β-catenin can, as a potential target for novel therapeutic interventions, accelerate cutaneous wound healing.
Ten-year retrospective review of transfusion practices in beating-heart organ donors.

BACKGROUND Recent studies suggest that restrictive transfusion strategies are equivocal or noninferior to liberal strategies in various patient populations; however, evidence for the optimal transfusion threshold or current transfusion practice in beating-heart organ donors is lacking. A 10-year retrospective analysis of blood product utilization in beating-heart organ donors was performed to determine current transfusion practice. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS An institutional review board–approved retrospective review of 439 beating-heart organ donors from January 1, 2004, to October 1, 2014, was performed. For each donor, hemoglobin (Hb), platelet (PLT), prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR), and fibrinogen levels as well as all transfusion reaction reports were recorded from the time of declaration of brain death to organ procurement. RESULTS Red blood cell transfusion occurred in 304 donors (69.2%), with a trough Hb level of more than 8 g/dL in 63.2% and more than 10 g/dL in 15.8%; final Hb was more than 10 g/dL in 44.1% of transfused donors. PLT transfusion occurred in 165 donors (37.6%), with a trough PLT count of more than 50 × 109/L in 113 (68.5%) and more than 100 × 109/L in 15 (9.1%). Plasma transfusion occurred in 217 donors (49.4%), with a peak INR of less than 1.5 in 75 donors (34.6%) and a peak INR of 1.6 to 2.0 in 112 donors (51.6%). Only 17.4% of donors who received cryoprecipitate had fibrinogen levels measured, and results were all more than 200 mg/dL. Transfusion reactions were underreported (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests potential suboptimal use of limited biologic resources in beating-heart organ donors, as well as significant underreporting of suspected transfusion reactions. Additional studies are indicated to determine optimal transfusion thresholds in this population.
PHOTOPROTONS FROM LITHIUM AND CARBON WITH 100-MeV BREMSSTRAHLUNG.

Abstract Measurements have been carried out of the distribution in energy and angle of the high-energy protons emitted in the photodisintegration of 6 Li, with some limited studies also of 7 Li and 12 C. The experiments were performed at the University of Saskatchewan Accelerator Laboratory using a 100 MeV bremsstrahlung beam. Protons of energies between 40 MeV and 95 MeV were detected with about 4% resolution, at eight angles from 45° to 126° by an array of plastic scintillation counter telescopes. Proton spectra for “monochromatic” photons were obtained by forming a properly normalized difference between spectra measured with 102 and 95 MeV bremsstrahlung beams. The 6 Li(γ, p) data are compared with the prediction of a phenomenological quasi-deuteron model, and this model is found to reproduce satisfactorily the shape and scale of the data over the entire range of the measurement. The experimental results are also discussed in terms of a single-particle model. A Born approximation calculation using shell-model wave functions does not provide sufficient amplitudes at high momenta to account for the 6 Li(γ, p) data.
Quality in point-of-care testing: what drives the system—personnel, regulatory standards, or instrumentation?

Any assessment of the quality of testing at point of healthcare always focuses on three factors: personnel, the effectiveness of regulatory standards governing the processes, and the capabilities of the analytical instrumentation. Even a casual evaluation of the environment surrounding today’s point-of-care testing suggests that a new quality paradigm is emerging. Focusing only on the analytical process, state-of-the-art instruments currently in routine use demonstrate, de facto, that the responsibility for traditional quality attributes—accuracy (traceability), precision, reliability, quality control, data interpretation, etc.—now are fully in the hands of the manufacturer. However, in the US all testing, including point-of-care testing, must continue to meet regulatory quality-assurance mandates including quality-control practices. In January 2003 the US government published the “Final Rule” under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments that introduced new quality-assessment requirements, including equivalent quality control, for analytical processes. The concept of equivalent quality control applies to instruments employing internal and/or procedural controls, an area currently dominated by point-of-care test systems. While manufacturers, personnel and regulators all continue to drive aspects of the quality of point-of-care testing, with the Final Rule incorporating a total quality management-based approach, the laboratory director is given some novel quality-control options. While the director retains full responsibility for guaranteeing that results of appropriate quality are provided to clinicians, the manufacturer can assume responsibility for daily, routine quality control, when the director approves, using one of three equivalent quality-control options for a test system.
STEMLESS SWEET CHERRY (PRUNUS AVIUM L.)‐FRUIT QUALITY AND CONSUMER PURCHASE

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) quality and consumer acceptance at purchase were found to be similar between stem and stemless fruit. Stemless fruit had more of the desired mahogany color at harvest, but stem fruit displayed superior color at point of retail sale. At simulated retail sales the color difference between stem and stemless fruit was not evident. There was no significant difference in firmness or soluble solids content between stem or stemless fruit. Stemless fruit were more bruised than stem, but stem fruit showed more surface pitting. Practical advantages of stemless fruit included: increased efficiency at harvest, elimination of some packinghouse equipment, improved use of packing materials and easier consumer packaging, and reduced damage to fruit.
Investigation of low-zinc-solubility electrodes and electrolytes in zinc/silver oxide cells

Abstract The cycle-life performance of the Zn/AgO cell is limited by high rates of Zn active material redistribution (shape change) and Zn dendrite growth. Reduced-zinc-solubility electrolytes, prepared by adding F−, CO32−, BO33− and PO43− salts to aqueous KOH solutions, were used in 5 A h Zn/AgO cells to determine their effect on cell lifetimes. Ca(OH)2 additions to the Zn electrode were also evaluated in cells of the same capacity and mass as the calcium-free cells. It was found that all of the anion additives to KOH electrolytes resulted in lower cell capacities and shorter lifetimes, which could be attributed the formation of soluble Ag-containing salts and subsequent degradation of the Ag electrode performance. The calcium-containing Zn electrode was found to significantly improve the performance of the Zn/AgO cell by promoting higher capacities, especially over the initial 20 cycles. The higher capacities could be attributed to the formation of a calcium zincate complex, crystals of which were found in the cycled Zn electrodes.
The Relationship Between Standardized Measures of Language and Measures of Spontaneous Speech in Children With Autism

This study investigated the relationship between scores on standardized tests (Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals [CELF], Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test–Third Edition [PPVT-III], and Expressive Vocabulary Test) and measures of spontaneous speech (mean length of utterance [MLU], Index of Productive Syntax, and number of different word roots [NDWR]) derived from natural language samples obtained from 44 children with autism between the ages of 4 and 14 years old. The children with autism were impaired across both groups of measures. The two groups of measures were significantly correlated, and specific relationships were found between lexical–semantic measures (NDWR, vocabulary tests, and the CELF lexical–semantic subtests) and grammatical measures (MLU, and CELF grammar subtests), suggesting that both standardized and spontaneous speech measures tap the same underlying linguistic abilities in children with autism. These findings have important implications for clinicians and researchers who depend on these types of language measures for diagnostic purposes, assessment, and investigations of language impairments in autism.
Protected silver coating for astronomical mirrors

A durable protected silver coating was designed and fabricated for use on flashlamp reflectors in the National Ignition Facility to avoid tarnishing under corrosive conditions and intense visible light. This coating provides a valuable alternative for telescope mirror coatings where high reflectance and durability are important requirements. This paper describes a protected silver coating having high reflectance from 400 mm to 10,000 nm. An alternate coating design extends the high reflectance down to 300 nm while maintaining high reflectance out to 10,000 nm. The specular reflectance is between 95% and 97% in the visible region and 98% or better in the infrared region.
The effect of numeracy level on completeness of home blood pressure monitoring.

Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) readings predict the increased risks of cardiovascular events and end-organ damage independent of office blood pressure (BP). Numeracy (the ability to handle numbers) may limit the feasibility of patients’ performing HBPM. We analyzed data from 409 adults from 12 North Carolina primary care clinics who completed a 3-item numeracy assessment, the REALM-SF health literacy assessment, and HBPM over two weeks. Among the 409 participants, 73% were college graduates and 69% had adequate numeracy. Completion of HBPM was greater among those with adequate numeracy (96.2% vs. 93.7%; P=0.009) and did not correlate with health literacy scores. More participants with adequate numeracy reported completion of ≥85% of readings than those with low numeracy (95% vs. 88%; P=0.018). Adequate numeracy, but not high literacy, is associated with more complete reporting of HBPM. Whether higher numeracy is associated with more accurate self-reported readings is an area of future research.
FIGURAL-RESPONSE ASSESSMENT: SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND PILOT RESEARCH IN CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

The purpose of the GRE figural-response project was to design a prototype assessment system for delivering and scoring figural-response items in the domain of cell and molecular biology, and to begin to investigate properties of the item format This report describes progress to date in an effort that is intended to be continuous and lead to program implementation. We first describe features of the delivery system and give sample items; ancillary developments, such as a tutorial, are also noted. Then, findings from a pilot research study are described. The essence of the pilot study was to examine the relationships between two item types (figural-response and open-ended verbal questions) and measures of figural and verbal ability. The data hint that whereas verbal items draw from verbal ability, figural-response items draw from figural and verbal ability. The report concludes with a discussion of possible new directions for research, development, and eventual program use of the item format.
Transfection of the type II TGF-β receptor into colon cancer cells increases receptor expression, inhibits cell growth, and reduces the malignant phenotype

Objective To determine if transfection of SW48 colon cancer cells with the type II transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) receptor restores growth inhibition and reverses the in vitro and in vivo malignant phenotype. Background Data The authors have previously shown that SW48 colon cancer cells that are replication error positive in both alleles lack functional cell surface TGF-β type I (RI) and type II (RII) receptors and are insensitive to TGF-β 1 -induced growth inhibition. Methods SW48 cells were stably transfected with the cDNA for the normal type II TGF-β receptor (RII). Once transfected, the cells were evaluated for in vitro phenotypic changes and in vivo changes in tumor growth. Results Denaturing sequencing gel electrophoresis of the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction product from SW48 cells revealed that the RII coding sequence contained a single base deletion mutation. When these cells were transfected with normal RII cDNA, Northern and Western blot analyses revealed increased levels of RII mRNA and protein. Affinity labeling techniques revealed that RII-transfected SW48 cells produced functional RI and RII protein. Transfection of SW48 cells also led to changes in cell phenotype, as shown by inhibition of both in vitro growth rate and incorporation of [ 3 H]-thymidine. SW48 cells expressing normal RII also exhibited reduced cloning efficiency in semisolid medium and reduced growth as a xenograft in NOD/LtSz-scid/J mice. Conclusions The results confirm that RII is a tumor-suppressor protein that is required for TGF-β-induced growth inhibition in SW48 colon cancer cells.
Systematization of Flood Control Measures

A general review is given of trends in flood control, as seen by the writer. Five significant areas in systematization of flood control measures are: prevention; prediction; flood-plain proofing, physical measures of flood control (divided into extensive and intensive); and flood insurance. The extensive physical measures are divided into eight groups: levees and dikes; release basins; reservoirs; increased channel capacity; parallel channels; diversion channels, flood-plain polders; and flood-plain platforms. The classification scheme is an attempt for systematization of flood control measures mainly from the point of view of application of systems analysis, with a particular stress on the joint use of several flood control measures simultaneously.
Solubility of the sesquiterpene alcohol patchoulol in supercritical carbon dioxide.

The solubility of the sesquiterpene alcohol patchoulol in supercritical carbon dioxide was measured at pressures (P) ranging from 10.0 MPa to 25.0 MPa and temperatures (T) of 40.0 and 50.0 °C using a simple microsampling-type apparatus with a 100.5 μL sample loop to remove aliquots for off-line analysis. The system was first validated using vanillin with off-line spectrophotometric analysis, then utilized for patchoulol measurements with off-line GC−MS analysis. The measured solubility of patchoulol in supercritical CO2 ranged from mole fractions of 0.43 × 10-3 at 10.0 MPa and 50.0 °C to mole fractions of 9.4 × 10-3 at 25.0 MPa and 40.0 °C.
Nd and Sr isotopic constraints on the source of Alleghanian granites in the Raleigh metamorphic belt and Eastern slate belt, southern Appalachians, U.S.A.

Pennsylvanian-Permian granites that intrude the Raleigh metamorphic belt and the Eastern slate belt of the southern Appalachian orogen account for ∼ 40% of the total volume of granite produced during the Alleghanian orogeny. We report major- and trace-element concentrations and initial Nd and Sr isotopic compositions from 31 samples of Allegahanian granites that intrude these belts to further constrain the nature of the sources of the granites. Nd isotopic compositions of three Raleigh metamorphic belt orthogneisses and two Eastern slate belt metavolcanic rocks are also presented to further constrain the nature of the crust in this region of the orogen. Major- and trace-element concentrations of Raleigh metamorphic belt and Eastern slate belt Alleghanian granites are similar for every element examined. Major-element concentrations of the Alleghanian granites indicate that they are high K2O (3–5 wt%), slightly peraluminous [Al2O3/(CaO + Na2O + K2O) = 0.96–1.12]. Trace-element compositions of the Alleghanian granites are similar to those of granites produced in both volcanic arc and continental collision settings. Initial Nd isotopic compositions of Raleigh metamorphic belt granites range from eNd(300 Ma) −4.4 to +3.0 and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios from 0.703 to 0.708. Eastern slate belt granites have ϕNd(300Ma) between −2.7 and +2.2, and initial 87Sr/ 86 Sr ratios range between 0.703 and 0.706. Depleted mantle model ages of granites from both belts range from 600 to 1070 Ma. Gneisses from the Raleigh metamorphic belt and volcanic rocks of the Eastern slate belt have eNd(300 Ma) values of −4.4 to +4.4, similar to those of the Alleghanian granites, suggesting that anatexis of the crust in these belts could have produced the granites. The neodymium isotopic compositions of the gneisses from the Raleigh metamorphic belt are significantly more radiogenic than that of Grenville crust. The granites that intrude the Raleigh metamorphic belt also show no evidence of interaction with Grenvillian crust, suggesting that neither the surface rocks nor unexposed portions of the Raleigh metamorphic belt are predominantly composed of Grenville crust. Thus in contrast to previous suggestions, the Raleigh metamorphic belt is significantly different than the adjoining Goochland terrane, but is similar to the nearby Carolina terrane.
Meeting the challenge to document teaching accomplishments: The educator's portfolio

Faculty seeking promotion as educators have been constrained by the lack of an effective method for presenting and assessing the value of their teaching contributions. The educator's portfolio holds promise as a solution to this problem. A review of portfolio literature in higher and teacher education was conducted to determine the typical contents of a portfolio. Concurrently, a postcard survey on educator portfolios was mailed to 134 U.S. medical school deans. All postcard respondents who indicated that a portfolio system was in place received a follow‐up semistructured telephone interview. Two primary content orientations were identified in the portfolio literature: faculty development (e.g., philosophy of education, continuing education) and promotion (e.g., curriculum development, assessment of learner performance, teaching skills). Ninety‐one percent of medical schools responded to the postcard survey. Seventeen medical schools reported having a portfolio‐like system in place, used primarily for fac...
Acetylene inhibition of trichloroethene and vinyl chloride reductive dechlorination.

Kinetic studies reported here have shown that acetylene is a potent reversible inhibitor of reductive dehalogenation of trichloroethene (TCE) and vinyl chloride (VC) by a mixed dehalogenating anaerobic culture. The mixed culture was enriched from a contaminated site in Corvallis, OR, and exhibited methanogenic, acetogenic, and reductive dehalogenation activities. The H2-fed culture transformed TCE to ethene via cis-dichloroethene (c-DCE) and VC as intermediates. Batch kinetic studies showed acetylene reversibly inhibited reduction of both TCE and VC, and the levels of inhibition were strongly dependent on acetylene concentrations in both cases. Acetylene concentrations of 192 and 12 IM, respectively, were required to achieve 90% inhibition in rates of TCE and VC transformation at an aqueous concentration of 400 IM. Acetylene also inhibited methane production (90% inhibition at 48 IM) but did not inhibit H2-dependent acetate production. Mass balances conducted during the studies of VC inhibition showed that acetogenesis, VC transformation to ethene, and methane production were responsible for 52%, 47%, and 1% of the H2 consumption, respectively. The results indicate that halorespiration is the dominant process responsible for VC and TCE transformation and that dehalorespiring organisms are the target of acetylene inhibition. Acetylene has potential use as a reversible inhibitor to probe the biological activities of reductive dechlorination and methanogenesis. It can be added to inhibit reactions and then removed to permit reactions to proceed. Thus, it can be a powerful tool for investigating intrinsic and enhanced anaerobic remediation of chloroethenes at contaminated sites. The results also suggest that acetylene produced abiotically by reactions of chlorinated ethenes with zero-valent iron could inhibit the biological transformation of VC to ethene.
Extraoral roentgenography with Polaroid Land films

Abstract The possibility of using Polaroid 4 by 5 inch Land films with intensifying and fluoroscopic screens for extraoral roentgenography has been investigated. Polaroid type 57 Land film with CB-2 fluoroscopic, Hi-Speed, Par Speed, and Detail Combination screens and type 52 film with a Hi-Speed screen offer a wide choice of exposure times and image qualities. The exposure times range from 0.06 to 2.5 times those required for comparable exposures to Kodak Blue Brand films with Par Speed screens. The image qualities of the faster combinations are adequate for control roentgenograms in sialography and tomography and for instruction and practice of extraoral roentgenographic techniques. The image qualities of the medium-speed combinations are adequate for fracture diagnosis and control of fracture reduction. These combinations may prove to be useful adjuncts in extraoral roentgenography because of their rapid developing process and the possibility of reducing the dose to the patient while obtaining sufficient image detail for control procedures or diagnosis. Type 57 film and a CB-2 fluoroscopic or a Lightning Special screen may be used to make roentgenograms with an iodine-125 roentgen source. The image quality with the CB-2 screen is adequate for the localization of dense foreign bodies and that with the Lightning Special screen is sufficient for fracture diagnosis. This truly portable roentgenographic unit requires neither darkroom facilities nor electrical power.
Improved dispersion of silicon nitride whiskers

To improve the dispersion of silicon nitride whiskers in aqueous suspensions, a standard dispersant used in glass fiber industry, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) is added. It was found that the viscosity of the whisker suspensions is lowered and the centrifuged density of the suspensions is increased with the addition of the APS. The pH values of suspensions before and after the addition of APS indicate that ASP extracts H{sup +} ions from the solutions and the adsorption of APS on silicon nitride is saturated in the experiment. The results indicate a colloidal route to the processing of ceramic composites with silicon nitride whiskers as reinforcements.
Mathematical Models, Rational Choice, and the Search for Cold War Culture

ABSTRACT A key feature of the social, behavioral, and biological sciences after World War II has been the widespread adoption of new mathematical techniques drawn from cybernetics, information theory, and theories of rational choice. Historians of science have typically sought to explain this adoption either by reference to military patronage, or to a characteristic Cold War culture or discursive framework strongly shaped by the concerns of national security. This essay explores several episodes in the history of game theory—a mathematical theory of rational choice—that demonstrate the limits of such explanations. Military funding was indeed critical to game theory's early development in the 1940s. However, the theory's subsequent spread across disciplines ranging from political science to evolutionary biology was the result of a diverse collection of debates about the nature of “rationality” and “choice” that marked the Cold War era. These debates are not easily reduced to the national security imperativ...
Transport routes through the nuclear pore complex

The nuclear pore complex can be considered to be the stationary phase of bidirectional traffic between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The mobile phase consists of karyopherins, transport substrates, and the small GTPase Ran and its modulators. Recently, the family of karyopherins was expanded with the recognition of numerous open reading frames with limited homology to karyopherin β1. In several cases, the specific substrates transported by the new karyopherins have been identified, allowing the characterization of new pathways into and out of the nucleus. However, the mechanisms of transport, particularly the role of Ran, remain poorly understood.
Microbial enhancement of TCE and 1,2‐DCA solute flux in UF‐membrane bioreactors

An ultrafiltration membrane process was used to remove and biograde chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons trichloroethylene (TCE) and 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) from dilute aqueous streams. The effect of microbial biodegradative activity on TCE and 1,2-DCA solute flux in a polypropylene membrane was examined using microbial strains Pseudomonas cepacia PR131 for the biodegradation of TCE and Xanthobacter autotrophicus GJ10 for the biodegradation of 1,2-DCA. Initial experiments were conducted in diaphragm cells in the absence of microorganisms to determine the diffusion coefficient of 1,2-DCA and TCE in the polypropylene ultrafiltration (UF) membranes. The diffusivities were 4.7 × 10−8 cm2/s for 1,2-DCA and 1.41 × 10−7 cm2/s for TCE. Subsequent experiments were conducted with microorganisms on the permeate side to examine the effect of microbial degradation of 1,2-DCA and TCE on the solute flux across the UF membrane. Experiments were conducted sequentially in batch and flow diaphragm cells and then in a hollow-fiber UF module to systematically examine the effect of microbial activity on the solute flux in each configuration and the ability of mathematical models to predict the microbial enhancement of solute flux. Microbial biodegradation of TCE and 1,2-DCA significantly enhanced the solute flux, and experimental results were correlated with steady- and nonsteady-state solute component balance models for the flow and batch diaphragm cells, respectively. Model and experimental results agree well. Implications for using membrane bioreactors to treat CAH contaminated groundwater and industrial effluents are discussed, as well as a method for examining the effect of biological reaction on membrane transport processes.
Measurement of Fiber Density by Helium Pycnometry

Fiber and void volume fractions of polymeric composite materials are often measured as indicators of part quality. However, accurate fiber and void volume fraction measurements require that the fiber density be known to a high degree of accuracy. Helium pycnometry offers the potential for accurate fiber density measurements. In this study, helium pycnometry was used to measure the density of E-glass, S2-glass, and carbon fibers. Results were compared with those of other fiber density measurement techniques. The density of E-glass was determined to be 2.6173 g/cc. S2-glass was found to have a density of 2.4858 g/cc. Measured carbon fiber densities were 1.7635 g/cc for Toray T300, and 1.7758 g/cc for Hercules IM7.
Reversibility and binding kinetics of Thermobifida fusca cellulases studied through fluorescence recovery after photobleaching microscopy

Cellulases are enzymes capable of depolymerizing cellulose. Understanding their interactions with cellulose can improve biomass saccharification and enzyme recycling in biofuel production. This paper presents a study on binding and binding reversibility of Thermobifida fusca cellulases Cel5A, Cel6B, and Cel9A bound onto Bacterial Microcrystalline Cellulose. Cellulase binding was assessed through fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) at 23, 34, and 45 °C. It was found that cellulase binding is only partially reversible. For processive cellulases Cel6B and Cel9A, an increase in temperature resulted in a decrease of the fraction of cellulases reversibly bound, while for endocellulase Cel5A this fraction remained constant. Kinetic parameters were obtained by fitting the FRAP curves to a binding-dominated model. The unbinding rate constants obtained for all temperatures were highest for Cel5A and lowest for Cel9A. The results presented demonstrate the usefulness of FRAP to access the fast binding kinetics characteristic of cellulases operating at their optimal temperature.
Formation of particulate organic carbon in water from a southeastern swamp-stream1

The rate of particulate organic carbon (POC) formation in water from a small North Carolina swamp-stream, low in ionic strength but high in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), was low. Mean POC formation rate, expressed as DOC utilization, was about 0.2% of DOC per day and was primarily the result of microbial activity. When Ca/sup 2 +/ and Hg/sup 2 +/ were added to swamp water, and when swamp water and seawater were mixed, the rate of POC formation increased as a result of a rapid physiochemical flocculation process. Although the DOC load of rivers and streams of the southeastern US represents a substantial energy input to estuarine regions, these results indicate that only about 25 to 30% of it is transformed through flocculation to a form more readily retained and utilized within the estuarine system. The remainder may be transported to the sea.
Self-punitive behavior : strength of fear of startbox and third runway segment stimuli over punished-extinction trials

Abstract According to the learning theory interpretation of self-punitive behavior, conditioned fear is critical to the maintenance of self-punitive running. In this study, fear conditioned to startbox and third runway segment cues was measured before and after punished-extinction (PE) trials. After shock-escape training, 120 male rats were given 0, 5, 10, or 20 PE trials. Fear of segment cues then was measured in either the startbox or third runway segment using hurdle-jump performance as the index of fear. The results support the conditioned-fear explanation. As predicted, immediately following shock-escape training, no difference was found between the amount of fear elicited by startbox and third segment cues, but after five or more PE trials more fear was elicited by startbox cues than by third segment cues. Additional PE trials maintained, but did not increase, the level of conditioned fear of startbox cues.
Genomic analysis of G protein γ subunits in human and mouse - The relationship between conserved gene structure and G protein βγ dimer formation

Abstract Analysis of the genomic sequences, cDNAs and expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in human and mouse for the 12 genes of the γ subunits of the heterotrimeric G proteins has allowed us to identify the common versus unique elements of the organization and expression of the members of this important gene family. All of the G protein γ subunit genes are organized around two coding exons, each containing about 100 nucleotides coding for 30–40 amino acids. These two exons each correspond to a functional domain of the protein, which interestingly appears to impose constraints on both the structure of the protein and the structure of the gene. There is large variation in the intron size between these two coding exons, the number and size of 5' and 3' UTRs, and the overall size of the genes. There is general but not absolute conservation in the size and structure of these genes between humans and mice. Alternative splicing and potential differential promoter usage were detected for several Gγ subunits, indicating possible differential regulation in expression. Only for Gγ10, however, did we find an alternative coding transcript. This alternative transcript appears to code for a hybrid protein containing a DnaJ domain in place of its Gγ exon 1 domain, joined to the Gγ10 second exon domain. The predicted mRNA is expressed in humans, and the protein coded by it is readily translated in vitro. This protein does not form a functional G protein βγ dimer, but it could generate a chaperone-like protein related to its DNA-J domain. These studies suggest that alternative splicing is not a prominent mechanism for generating G protein subunit diversity from within the human or mouse genomes. Instead, each of the known 12 γ subunit genes generate transcripts with one prevalent protein.
Participation in formal and informal volunteering: Implications for volunteer recruitment

This study examines factors influencing “formal” volunteering (that is, to an organization) and “informal” volunteering (that is, volunteering carried out individually outside of an organizational context) and the relationship between these two activities. We hypothesize that formal and informal volunteering activities are positively interrelated but that they are shaped by different types of personal resources: involvement in social networks increases the likelihood of both types of volunteering, but human capital increases the likelihood of formal volunteering rather than informal. The bivariate probit regression results emanating from the Independent Sector's “Giving and Volunteering in the United States, 2001” survey are generally supportive of the hypotheses. The findings suggest that nonprofit and public organizations that involve volunteers consider the pool of informal volunteers as a fertile ground for recruitment and find ways to better utilize older Americans in formal volunteering. The results also suggest that volunteer recruitment through organizational membership may be an effective strategy.
Effect of substantia nigra stimulation on spontaneous unit activity in the caudate nucleus.

Abstract A wide range of spontaneous unit activity (0.1–15 spikes/sec) was observed in the caudate nucleus of rats anesthetized with urethane. All units did not respond by driven activity following stimulation of the substantia nigra. However, 71% of this population responded by significantly increased or decreased firing rates. It is suggested that unit that exhibit spontaneous activity in the caudate nucleus and which respond to stimulation of the substantia nigra have polysynaptic connections, and those units which do not discharge spontaneously but respond to stimulation of the substantia nucleus by driven action potentials have monosynaptic connetion to the caudate nucleus.
Adaptive contouring of three-dimensional surfaces

Abstract An adaptive method of contouring a bivariate surface defined over arbitrarily spaced data in two dimensions is introduced. The method has two stages: 1. Produce a Bezier polynomial surface defined over a union of triangles. 2. Use this surface to compute the required contour levels. Using positional data only, this method produces a C1-continuous surface and contours which can be made arbitrarily close to being C1-continuous. The contour is represented as a piecewise linear approximation to the C1-continuous contour. The method computes a linear representation of the surface in the neighborhood of the contour using an adaptive degree reduction algorithm. This algorithm is used to minimize the number of subdivisions necessary to obtain the desired smoothness of the contour. As a result of this adaptive subdivision, no contours are missed due to the coarseness of the original data points.
Discoveries in plasmas while teaching simulation

Once PC's became ubiquitous, we have been using them for teaching plasma simulation, hands-on by instructors and by students. The transfer of skills from instructor to class has been very rapid (most desirable). However, occasionally some unanticipated results are observed with plausible explanations expected from the instructor (scary). Our examples are all one-dimensional. First, we show the famous two-stream instability in a periodic model, starting either cold or warm, which does not (quite) Maxwellianize; why not? Second, we show Landau damping also in a periodic model, with what appears to be small (hence linear) excitation, but observe trapping in the wave frame; going to very small excitation the trapping diminishes and the damping rate approaches that from Landau linear theory. Lastly, we show a warm plasma bounded by two grounded metal planar walls, uniform in density at t=0, bounded, one-dimensional. For t>0 we observe spontaneous plasma frequency oscillations in the midplane, sheath formation at ion sound speed at both walls, trapping of electrons, and acceleration of the ions to the walls; however, we also observe an oscillatory axial current, and ‘staircasing’ of the number of electrons in time. Both can come only from some degree of asymmetry in the system. The frequency of the current is the series resonance between the sheath capacitance (almost no electrons, so vacuum) and the bulk plasma ‘inductance’ (as ωseries⪡ωp).
Reaction of methyl mercury with plasmalogens suggests a mechanism for neurotoxicity of metal-alkyls

THE biosynthesis of methyl mercury from mercuric ion, by microorganisms which live in sediments polluted with mercury, is of special significance to the bio-accumulation of mercury1–3. Although the mechanism of methyl mercury biosynthesis is understood to a large extent at the molecular level4–6, very little is known about the mechanisms of molecular interaction in both the bio-accumulation and the neurotoxicity of this compound. It is clear that ingestion by humans of food contaminated by methyl mercury leads to the synthesis of methyl mercury chloride in the stomach, and this, being very non-polar, is easily transported into the blood stream7. The distribution of methyl mercury in animals is characteristically different from that of inorganic mercury, in that alkyl mercury compounds have a tendency to partition into the lipids, or hydrophobic regions of the cell8.