cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Low Countries in the Transition to Capitalism

In the most recent phase of the discussion on the historical conditions for economic development, or the transition from feudalism to capitalism, the town-dominated Low Countries have been neglected, because the focus has been to such a large extent on agrarian conditions and agrarian transformations. This article seeks to make use of the cases of the medieval and early modern Northern and Southern Netherlands, the most highly urbanized and commercialized regions in Europe, to show that the rise of towns and the expansion of exchange cannot in themselves bring about economic development, because they cannot bring about the requisite transformation of agrarian social-property relations. In the non-maritime Southern Netherlands, a peasant-based economy led to economic involution. In the maritime Northern Netherlands, the transformation of peasants into market-dependent farmers created the basis for economic development.
Molecular cloning of an 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase from senescing carnation flower petals.

Synthetic oligonucleotides based on the sequence of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase from tomato [15] were used to prime the synthesis and amplification of a 337 bp tomato ACC synthase cDNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This PCR product was used to screen a cDNA library prepared from mRNA isolated from senescing carantion flower petals. Two cDNA clones were isolated which represented the same mRNA. The longer of the two clones (CARACC3) contained a 1950 bp insert with a single open reading frame of 516 amino acids encoding a protein of 58 kDa. The predicted protein from the carnation ACC synthase cDNA was 61%, 61%, 64%, and 51% identical to the deduced proteins from zucchini squash, winter squash, tomato, and apple, respectively. Genomic DNA gel blot analysis indicated the presence of at least a second gene in carnation which hybridized to CARACC3 under conditions of low stringency. ACC synthase mRNA accumulates during senescence of carnation flower petals concomitant with the increase in ethylene production and ACC synthase enzyme activity. Ethylene induced the accumulation of ACC synthase mRNA in presenescent petals. Wound-induced ethylene production in leaves was not associated with an increase in ACC synthase mRNA represented by CARACC3. These results indicate that CARACC3 represents an ACC synthase transcript involved in autocatalytic ethylene production in senescing flower petals.
Hemispheric interactions in human fusional response.

Abstract Cyclofusional stimuli have been used to study the nature of hemispheric interactions during human fusional response. It was found that the cyclofusional range associated with each hemisphere is a function of the magnitude and relative orientation of torsional disparities presented to the other hemisphere. This interaction may take the form of facilitation or inhibition.
Deformation of a weak subducted slab and variation of seismicity with depth

Numerical simulations of slab evolution are used here to show that a weak slab model is consistent with seismic observations. Assuming that earthquakes occur at a rate proportional to deformation rate, the observed variation with depth of seismicity rate and focal mechanisms is reproduced along with the cessation of seismicity at 670 km depth. Provided that sinking material encounters resistance at depth, the pattern of seismicity can be explained by any mechanism for deep earthquakes in which the rate of seismicity is proportional to strain rate in the slab.
Germinal Center B-Cells Resist Transformation by Kras Independently of Tumor Suppressor Arf

Activating mutations in Ras (N- and K-) are the most common point mutations found in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and are associated with poor clinical outcome. We sought to directly examine the role of Ras activation in MM pathogenesis and used two different tissue-specific Cre recombinase mouse lines (Cγ1-Cre and AID-Cre), to generate mice with mutant Kras (KrasG12D) activated specifically in germinal center B-cells. We also generated mice with activation of the KrasG12D allele in a tumor-prone Arf-null genetic background. Surprisingly, we observed no significant disruption in B-cell homeostasis in any of these models by serum immunoglobulin ELISA, SPEP, flow cytometry and histological examination. We observed development of non-overlapping tumor types due to off-target Cre expression, but despite successful recombination in germinal center and later B-cell populations, we observed no B-cell phenotype. Together, these data demonstrate that Ras activation is not sufficient to transform primary germinal center B-cells, even in an Arf-null context, and that the temporal order of mutation acquisition may be critical for myeloma development. Specific pathways, yet to be identified, are required before Kras can contribute to the development of MM.
DNA Methylation Signatures within the Human Brain

DNA methylation is a heritable modification of genomic DNA central to development, imprinting, transcriptional regulation, chromatin structure, and overall genomic stability. Aberrant DNA methylation of individual genes is a hallmark of cancer and has been shown to play an important role in neurological disorders such as Rett syndrome. Here, we asked whether normal DNA methylation might distinguish individual brain regions. We determined the quantitative DNA methylation levels of 1,505 CpG sites representing 807 genes with diverse functions, including proliferation and differentiation, previously shown to be implicated in human cancer. We initially analyzed 76 brain samples representing cerebral cortex ( n =35), cerebellum ( n =34), and pons ( n =7), along with liver samples ( n =3) from 43 individuals. Unsupervised hierarchical analysis showed clustering of 33 of 35 cerebra distinct from the clustering of 33 of 34 cerebella, 7 of 7 pons, and all 3 livers. By use of comparative marker selection and permutation testing, 156 loci representing 118 genes showed statistically significant differences—a ⩾17% absolute change in DNA methylation ( P
Pouch tissue and angiotensin peptide generation.

Myofibroblasts and their potential to generate angiotensin (Ang) II and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) at sites of infarction in the rat heart have been implicated in tissue repair. These cells likewise contribute to repair in a subcutaneous pouch model of fibrous tissue formation. Their appearance in pouch tissue coincides with high density ACE and Ang II receptor binding, suggesting a role for Ang II in tissue repair. Using pouch tissue studied at different time points of repair, the present study examined the expression of requisite mRNA for Ang peptide generation: angiotensinogen, Ao; an aspartyl protease, either cathepsin-D, Cat-D, or renin; and angiotensin converting enzyme, ACE. TGF-β1and type I collagen mRNA expression was also addressed. Unlike pouch studied on day 2 and 4, at 7, 14 and 21 days, we found: (a) expression of Ao, Cat-D but not renin, ACE and TGF-β1mRNA; (b) Ang I and Ang II peptides in pouch tissue and exudate; (c) the presence of Cat-D activity but no renin activity; (d) an increase in type I collagen mRNA with time; (e) upregulation of pouch tissue ACE mRNA expression by lisinopril treatment, whereas AT1and AT2receptor antagonists (losartan and PD 123177, respectively) downregulated the expression of mRNA for ACE, when compared to untreated controls; (f) downregulation of TGF-β1mRNA expression by lisinopril and losartan compared to untreated controls; and (g) PD 123177 had no effect, whereas lisinopril and losartan treatment significantly (P<0.05) reduced type I collagen mRNA expression. Thus, in this model of fibrous tissue formation, we found expression of component genes involved in Ang peptide (I and II) and TGF-β1generation and Ang II upregulation of TGF-β1expression, suggesting Ang II and/or TGF-β1may upregulate type I collagen expression during tissue repair. Pharmacologic intervention studies with lisinopril or losartan indicate Ang II plays a role in the reciprocal regulation of ACE mRNA expression, which modulates Ang II levels at sites of repair.
Elucidating satisfaction with physical activity: an examination of the day-to-day associations between experiences with physical activity and satisfaction during physical activity initiation.

Satisfaction with physical activity is known to be an important factor in physical activity maintenance, but the factors that influence satisfaction are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to elucidate how ongoing experiences with recently initiated physical activity are associated with satisfaction. Participants (n = 116) included insufficiently active volunteers who initiated a self-directed physical activity regimen and completed daily diaries about their experiences for 28 days. We used multilevel models to examine the associations between experiences with physical activity and satisfaction. Significant between-person effects demonstrated that people reporting higher average levels of positive experiences and lower levels of thinking about the negative aspects of exercise were more likely to report higher levels of satisfaction (ps < .05). Positive experiences and perceived progress toward goals had significant within-person effects (ps < .01), suggesting that day-to-day fluctuations in these experiences were associated with changes in satisfaction. These findings elucidate a process through which people may determine their satisfaction with physical activity.
THE INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS TYPES OF DEFOLIATION AND LEAF WOUNDING UPON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF BEANS

The work was undertaken to determine the influence of various types of leaf wounding upon the yield of leaves, fruit, stems, and roots of beans at different stages of development. The wounding was restricted to the first pair of leaves and was done before the other leaves expanded. It consisted in the removal of definite portions of the leaf area or in the slashing of the blades. The portions were renmoved as a whole leaf blade, one-half or onefourth of a leaf blade en bloc, or comparable areas in the form of disks. Two sizes of disks were removed, one having an area of one square centimeter and the other an area of one-fourth of a square centimeter. The disks were removed with the idea of simulating insect injury, while the slashing might be comparable to hail injury. As a secondary feature, data were taken for a study of the effect of the different leaf treatments upon the tinme of the blooming period.
The influence of crystallography and oxide and metallic types on the structure and properties of metal-ceramic interfaces

Abstract Metal-ceramic oxide interfaces were investigated systematically to determine the role of reactivity of the metal and the oxide on the structure and mechanical properties of the interface. Electron microscopy was used to examine the structure of metal-ceramic interfaces between a non-reactive metal and a non-reactive ceramic (PtAl 2 O 3 ), between a non-reactive metal and a reactive ceramic (PtNiO) and between a reactive metal and a non-reactive ceramic (TiAl 2 O 3 ). The effect of crystallography, impurities and processing conditions on the interfacial morphology was also studied. For PtAl 2 O 3 , diffusion bonding in air produces a thin amorphous layer while bonding in argon produces a layer of grains of metastable crystalline alumina compounds such as ιAl 2 O 3 . It is believed that impurities play an important role in the formation of metastable phases in the PtAl 2 O 3 system. For NiOPt, the relative geometry across the interface plane influences its structure. The morphology of the NiPt intermetallic compound formed by low temperature anneals is sensitive to the relative geometry between the NiO and platinum, and to the presence of silicon impurities. For TiAl 2 O 3 , heat treating at low temperatures produces no reaction layer and the strongest interfacial bonding, while heat treating at high temperatures (800°C and above) produces an interlayer of intermetallic compounds and weak bonding.
Characterization of cyclic AMP efflux from swine adipocytes in vitro.

OBJECTIVE A variety of cell types transport cyclic AMP (cAMP) to the extracellular fluid; the purpose of this study was to determine if and how this process occurs in adipocytes. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES Adipocytes were isolated from 3-month-old swine and incubated with stimulators of adenylate cyclase for 2 to 120 minutes to promote cAMP synthesis and efflux. Efflux was characterized in the presence of agents that inhibit ATP production, anion transport, intracellular cAMP metabolism, and extracellular cAMP metabolism. Extracellular cAMP was measured by enzyme immunoassay, then corrected for cell lysis by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release. RESULTS cAMP efflux averaged 24.7 fmol/min/cm2 adipocyte surface area, was linear for 2 hours, and was proportional to adipocyte surface area (r=0.94, p<0.05). Efflux was reduced by approximately 35% in cells incubated with 1 microM antimycin, an inhibitor of ATP synthesis (p<0.05), and by approximately 55% in cells incubated with 2 mM probenecid, an anion-specific transport blocker (p<0.05). Extracellular cAMP levels more than doubled by the addition of 1 microM 1,3-dipropyl-8-p-sulfophenylxanthine, a purported inhibitor of extracellular phosphodiesterase. DISCUSSION Our data demonstrate that cAMP is transported from swine adipocytes by an energy-dependent anion transporter and can be metabolized extracellularly. Future studies will evaluate extracellular cAMP as a potential source of extracellular adenosine, a potent inhibitor of adipocyte lipolysis.
The Need to Reconsider Traditional Free Volume Theory for Polymer Electrolytes

Abstract Pressure–temperature–volume ( PVT ) data have been obtained for poly(propylene glycol) of molecular weight 1025 containing LiCF 3 SO 3 in the mole ratio 20:1. The PVT data were used to calculate the specific volumes, V / V P =0, T =296 K , associated with the pressures and temperatures for previously published variable temperature, high-pressure electrical conductivity data. It is found that the electrical conductivity depends strongly on temperature at a constant volume. Consequently, traditional free volume theory is not consistent with the data. Finally, it is shown that the features of the electrical conductivity data can be accounted for by a recently developed generalized Vogel theory.
Connections of the lateral hypothalamic area juxtadorsomedial region in the male rat

The connections of the lateral hypothalamic area juxtadorsomedial region (LHAjd) were investigated in a series of pathway-tracing experiments involving iontophoretic co-injection of the tracers Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin (PHA-L; for outputs) and cholera toxin B subunit (CTB; for inputs). Results revealed that the LHAjd has connections with some 318 distinct gray matter regions encompassing all four subsystems-motor, sensory, cognitive, and behavioral state-included in a basic structure-function network model of the nervous system. Integration of these subsystems is necessary for the coordination and control of emotion and behavior, and in that regard the connections of the LHAjd indicate that it may have a prominent role. Furthermore, the LHAjd connections, together with the connections of other LHA differentiations studied similarly to date, indicate a distinct topographic organization that suggests each LHA differentiation has specifically differing degrees of involvement in the control of multiple behaviors. For the LHAjd, its involvement to a high degree in the control of defensive behavior, and to a lesser degree in the control of other behaviors, including ingestive and reproductive, is suggested. Moreover, the connections of the LHAjd suggest that its possible role in the control of these behaviors may be very broad in scope because they involve the somatic, neuroendocrine, and autonomic divisions of the nervous system. In addition, we suggest that connections between LHA differentiations may provide, at the level of the hypothalamus, a neuronal substrate for the coordinated control of multiple themes in the behavioral repertoire.
Intracerebroventricular interleukin-6, macrophage inflammatory protein-1β and IL-18: pyrogenic and PGE2-mediated?

Abstract This study was undertaken to determine whether cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, the critical enzyme in the production of febrigenic prostaglandin (PG) E2, may be involved centrally in the fever induced in mice by homologous interleukin (IL)-6, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β, and interleukin (IL)-18, a member of the pyrogenic IL-1β family. To this end, the core temperatures (Tc) of COX-1 and COX-2 gene-ablated mice and of their normal wild-type (WT) counterparts were recorded after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) challenge with recombinant murine (rm) IL-6 (10 ng/mouse), rmMIP-1β (20 pg/mouse), rmIL-18 (0.01–1 μg/mouse), rmIL-1β (positive control; 0.1 μg/mouse), or their vehicle (0.1% bovine serum albumin [BSA] in sterile phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]; 5 μl/mouse). rmIL-6 caused a ∼1 °C Tc rise in WT mice that peaked at ∼120 min and gradually recovered over the next 3 h; COX-1−/− mice exhibited a relatively faster (peak at 45 min) and shorter (recovery at 150 min) febrile course, whereas COX-2−/− mice did not develop fever. rmMIP-1β induced a 1 °C fever (peak at 60 min) with a long time course (recovery incomplete at 300 min) in both WT and COX-2−/− mice; COX-1−/− mice displayed a quick-onset (peak at 40 min) and shorter (recovery at ∼240 min) fever. rmIL-18 did not cause any thermal response at any dose whether administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) or i.c.v. in WT mice; COX gene-ablated mice, therefore, were not tested. These data indicate that COX-2-dependent PGE2 is critical for the febrile response to IL-6, but not to MIP-1β. IL-18 i.p. or i.c.v. is not pyrogenic.
Identification of Amoebae Implicated in the Life Cycle of Pfiesteria and Pfiesteria-Like Dinoflagellates

Abstract This study was undertaken to assess whether amoebae commonly found in mesohaline environments are in fact stages in the life cycles of Pfiesteria and Pfiesteria-like dinoflagellates. Primary isolations of amoebae and dinoflagellates were made from water and sediment samples from five tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. Additional amoebae were also cloned from bioassay aquaria where fish mortality was attributed to Pfiesteria. Electron microscopy and small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequence analysis of these isolates clearly demonstrated that the commonly depicted amoeboid form of Pfiesteria is very likely a species of Korotnevella and is unrelated to Pfiesteria or Pfiesteria-like dinoflagellates. We have determined that the Pfiesteria and Pfiesteria-like dinoflagellates examined in this study undergo a typical homothallic life cycle without amoeboid stages. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that cloned amoebae sharing morphological characteristics described for stages in the life cycle of Pfiesteria...
Likelihood approach for detecting imprinting and in utero maternal effects using general pedigrees from prospective family-based association studies.

Summary Genetic imprinting and in utero maternal effects are causes of parent-of-origin effect but they are confounded with each other. Tests attempting to detect only one of these effects would have a severely inflated type I error rate if the assumption of the absence of the other effect is violated. Some existing methods avoid the potential confounding by modeling imprinting and in utero maternal effect simultaneously. However, these methods are not amendable to extended families, which are commonly recruited in family-based studies. In this article, we propose a likelihood approach for detecting imprinting and maternal effects (LIME) using general pedigrees from prospective family-based association studies. LIME formulates the probability of familial genotypes without the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium assumption by introducing a novel concept called conditional mating type between marry-in founders and their nonfounder spouses. Further, a logit link is used to model the penetrance. To deal with the issue of incomplete pedigree genotypic data, LIME imputes the unobserved genotypes implicitly by considering all compatible ones conditional on the observed genotypes. We carried out a simulation study to evaluate the relative power and type I error of LIME and two existing methods. The results show that the use of extended pedigree data, even with incomplete information, can achieve much greater power than using nuclear families for detecting imprinting and in utero maternal effects without leading to inflated type I error rates.
Ultrasound characteristics of recurrent carotid disease: Hypothesis explaining the low incidence of symptomatic recurrence

Abstract The true incidence of recurrent disease after carotid endarterectomy (CENDX) is unknown, but noninvasive hemodynamic testing shows a paradox between the incidence of hemodynamically significant recurrent stenosis (RS) and the presence of symptomatic disease. We have shown that real-time B-mode ultrasound imaging can demonstrate the gross pathology of the arterial wall and plaque and their surface characteristics. Therefore we reviewed the clinical data and B-mode studies performed 6 months to 15 years after 276 carotid endarterectomies. Preoperative and perioperative risk factors and associated symptoms on follow-up were stored on computer. The patients were divided into three groups by the anatomy of their B-mode study. The majority of the studies were normal (203 [73.5%]), 42 (15.2%) showed mild disease, and 34 (12.3%) demonstrated significant RS. The RS group had a statistically significant increase in incidence of known lipid abnormalities (p 4 years), as did RS of the bifurcation. By contrast, stenosis at the common carotid level developed earlier. These findings suggest different pathogenic mechanisms—for the former, redevelopment of atherosclerosis; for the latter, accentuation of preexisting atherosclerosis perhaps by hemodynamic factors. Finally, in the 26 vessels with RS without occlusion, there was an 8% incidence of plaque ulcer or hemorrhage vs. a 62% incidence in 79 primary atherosclerotic plaques previously studied by both B-mode and pathologic examination. The low incidence of plaque characteristics associated with symptomatic disease may account for the low incidence of symptomatic disease associated with RS. (J VASC SURG 1985;2:26-41.)
Adding direct or independent channels to multiple channel mix

Purpose – This paper aims to clarify the conditions under which firms can add direct or independent channels to their single channel system and switch to multiple channel systems. Using the transaction cost theory, variables, i.e. specific asset investments, internal uncertainty, and environmental uncertainty, this study seeks to examine how those variables affect firms' decision to adopt a specific multiple channel mix.Design/methodology/approach – The study was conducted within the context of a manufacturer and its multiple channel systems. Using a survey method, primary data were collected from 189 US manufacturers and 98 Taiwanese OEMs. The t‐test and regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses.Findings – The results indicate that under high‐specific asset investments, high‐environmental uncertainty, and high‐internal uncertainty conditions firms add direct channels and adopt an independent‐direct multiple channel system. On the other hand, under low levels of those variables firms expand the...
Mapping of Pseudomonas putida chromosomal genes with a recombinant sex-factor plasmid

Transfer of the non-conjugative xylene-degradative plasmid, XYL, mediated by the sex factor plasmid K, from Pseudomonas Pxy to P. putida strain PpGl results in the formation of XYL+ K+ PpGl exconjugants. Isolation of plasmid DNA from exconjugants, transductants and transformants and their electron microscopic characterization suggest that they occur predominantly as plasmid co-integrates with a varying number of copies of XYL on K. Free forms of XYL and K also occur at low frequency. Growth of cells harboring such recombinant XYL-K plasmids with xylene (or intermediates such as meta-toluate) ensures the retention of K. A membrane filter mating technique has been developed, using PpGl cells harboring XYL-K plasmids as donors and K- auxotrophs as recipients. The time of entry of a number of individual chromosomal markers has been precisely determined, and a tentative map of the P. putida chromosome has been constructed.
Pseudo-cross variograms, positive-definiteness, and cokriging

Cokriging allows the use of data on correlated variables to be used to enhance the estimation of a primary variable or more generally to enhance the estimation of all variables. In the first case, known as the undersampled case, it allows data on an auxiliary variable to be used to make up for an insufficient amount of data. Original formulations required that there be sufficiently many locations where data is available for both variables. The pseudo-cross-variogram, introduced by Clark et al. (1989), allows computing a related empirical spatial function in order to model the function, which can then be used in the cokriging equations in lieu of the cross-variogram. A number of questions left unanswered by Clark et al. are resolved, such as the availability of valid models, an appropriate definition of positive-definiteness, and the relationship of the pseudo-cross-variogram to the usual cross-variogram. The latter is important for modeling this function.
CRP, immunologically cross-reacting protein of prolyl hydroxylase. Its role in assembly of active prolyl hydroxylase and cellular localization in L-929 fibroblasts☆

Abstract There are two forms of prolyl hydroxylase in L-929 flbroblasts. One is the enzymatically active tetramer having two α- and two β-subunits. The other is monomeric cross-reacting protein which is enzymatically inactive but is structurally related to β-subunit of the enzyme. Cultured L-929 fibroblasts at mid-log phase were labeled by 3H-labeled amino acid mixture and the radioactivity was chased for 24 h while cells were harvested and plated at higher cell densities in cultures. The results indicated that both α-subunit of the tetrameric prolyl hydroxylase and cross-reacting protein were labeled, but the β-subunit of the tetrameric active prolyl hydroxylase was not labeled until the cells were crowded for 24 h. Using immunofluorescent techniques with antibodies directed against pure tetrameric prolyl hydroxylase, capping or patching was observed when the cells were incubated at 37 °C. Also, it was found that phagosomes prepared from L-929 flbroblasts contained about 30% of total enzyme protein as determined immunologically but contained no significant prolyl hydroxylase activities. Labeling cells with 125I by lactoperoxidase, cross-reacting protein was labeled but both α- and β-subunits of tetrameric active prolyl hydroxylase were not labeled. The results indicate that cross-reacting protein can be utilized as the precursor of β-subunit by the cells to form tetrameric active prolyl hydroxylase and that cross-reacting protein is found associated with cytoplasmic membranes.
Positive pion-nucleus elastic scattering at 40 MeV

Differential cross sections for elastic scattering of 40 MeV positive pions from /sup 12/C, /sup 16/O, /sup 40/Ca, /sup 90/Zr, and /sup 208/Pb were measured at 18 angles in the angular range 25/sup 0/--160/sup 0/. Relative uncertainties of 2.5% to 7% and overall normalization uncertainties of 4% to 7% were obtained. An optical potential fit of the data indicates that while the magnitudes of the strength parameters, except for Re b/sub 1/, are different from values obtained from free ..pi..N scattering amplitudes, the variation of these magnitudes with target mass is roughly as predicted by the impulse approximation. Coulomb effects, especially in the cases of /sup 90/Zr and /sup 208/Pb, are extremely important, but impossible to unambiguously separate from the strong interaction in the optical model.
Guaymasol and Epiguaymasol: Aromatic Triols from a Deep-Sea Bacillus Isolate

Abstract Two new aromatic compounds, guaymasol (1) and epiguaymasol (2), have been isolated from cultures of a Bacillus species (isolate CNA-995) taken from a deep-sea sediment core. The structures, including relative stereochemistry, were assigned on the basis of spectral analyses of the natural products and their acetonide derivatives.
Enzymes involved in thymine dimer excision in bacteriophage T4-infected Escherichia coli.

A study was made of the kinetics of excision of thymine-containing pyrimidine dimers from prelabeled phage T4 during infection of Escherichia coli . In wild-type hosts excision of dimers was observed immediately after infection, but ceased at some maximal level five to seven minutes later. In host cells defective in DNA polymerase I (either polymerizing activity, 5′→3′ exonuclease activity, or both) there was a significant reduction in both the rate and the final extent of excision during the first five to seven minutes after infection. Mutation in the rec B gene was found to have no effect on the kinetics of excision. The kinetics of dimer excision in cells infected with a T4 mutant defective in DNA synthesis were no different from that observed with wild-type phage. Thus the cessation of dimer excision at about five to seven minutes after infection is not obviously related to the onset of phage DNA replication.
Yielding mechanism of shallow mass movements in completely decomposed Norwood Tuff: the Zigzag Sign landslide, Utah

Over the past decade, land development activities on hillsides in northern Utah have resulted in a significant increase in landslide activity throughout the region. The majority of recent landslides are shallow and they occurred on cut gentle slopes especially during spring and early summer due to snowmelt induced elevated groundwater tables. The geologic material documented at numerous landslide sites is a soft gray-green completely decomposed Norwood Tuff. The present study addresses the mechanism of a shallow landslide in completely decomposed Norwood Tuff based on field, laboratory and numerical investigations. Detailed slope surface geometry obtained from laser-scan surveys together with strength and stress–strain parameters derived from laboratory triaxial tests on undisturbed samples of completely decomposed Norwood Tuff collected from the landslide site are employed with finite-element modeling to examine the effects of ground surface deformation patterns on the yielding behavior of the slide mass. The numerical results indicate a gradual retreat of the yield zone with progressive landslide deformation, which eventually becomes concentrated within the accumulation zone of the landslide, compared to a well-developed yield zone within the entire slide mass at the onset of landslide movement. Limit equilibrium stability analyses along potential sliding surfaces of extent limited within the yield zone of the displaced slide mass produce lower safety factors than an analysis based on the original sliding surface comprising the entire slide mass.
Experiments in model-based matching using a relational pyramid representation

The relational pyramid representation is a hierarchical relational description of an object that can be used in recognition and pose estimation. In this representation, primitive features appear at the bottom of the pyramid, relations among primitives appear at level one, and, in general, relations among lower-level structures appear at the levels above the levels in which these structures were defined. A pose-estimation system is constructed that uses the relational pyramid representation for the view classes of a 3D object and for the description of the unknown view of an object extracted from an image. A previously described system uses summary information to rank and select view classes to which the unknown view is compared. This paper describes a best-first search procedure to find correspondences between the selected view class pyramid and the image pyramid.
Effect of Adenophostin A on Ca2+ Entry and Calcium Release-activated Calcium Current (I crac) in Rat Basophilic Leukemia Cells

In most non-excitable cells, calcium influx is signaled by depletion of intracellular calcium stores, a process known as capacitative calcium entry. Adenophostin A, a potent activator of the inositol 1, 4,5-trisphosphate receptor, has been reported to activate Ca2+ entry in Xenopus oocytes to a greater extent than expected on the basis of its ability to release calcium stores. In this study, we compared the abilities of adenophostin A and inositol 2,4,5-trisphosphate ((2, 4,5)IP3) to release Ca2+ from intracellular stores, to activate Ca2+ entry, and to activate calcium release-activated calcium current (Icrac) in rat basophilic leukemia cells. Under conditions of low intracellular Ca2+ buffering (0.1 mM BAPTA), adenophostin A-induced Ca2+ release and activation of Icrac could be monitored simultaneously. However, other reagents that would be expected to deplete Ca2+ stores ((2,4,5)IP3, 3-fluoro-inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate, thapsigargin, and ionomycin) were unable to activate Icrac under this low Ca2+ buffering condition. Adenophostin A activated Icrac after a significant delay, longer than the delay for Ca2+ release. Thus, adenophostin A activates Icrac as a consequence of release of intracellular Ca2+, rather than directly acting on store-operated channels. The unique ability of adenophostin A to activate Icrac under conditions of low intracellular Ca2+ buffering suggests an additional site of action, perhaps in preventing or reducing rapid Ca2+-dependent inactivation of store-operated Ca2+ channels.
Impact of Race on Asthma Treatment Failures in the Asthma Clinical Research Network

Rationale: Recent studies suggest that people with asthma of different racial backgrounds may respond differently to various therapies.Objectives: To use data from well-characterized participants in prior Asthma Clinical Research Network (ACRN) trials to determine whether racial differences affected asthma treatment failures.Methods: We analyzed baseline phenotypes and treatment failure rates (worsening asthma resulting in systemic corticosteroid use, hospitalization, emergency department visit, prolonged decrease in peak expiratory flow, increase in albuterol use, or safety concerns) in subjects participating in 10 ACRN trials (1993–2003). Self-declared race was reported in each trial and treatment failure rates were stratified by race.Measurements and Main Results: A total of 1,200 unique subjects (whites = 795 [66%]; African Americans = 233 [19%]; others = 172 [14%]; mean age = 32) were included in the analyses. At baseline, African Americans had fewer asthma symptoms (P < 0.001) and less average daily...
Aerial image analysis of quarter-micrometer patterns on a 0.5-NA excimer stepper

Applying a method for direct on stepper measurement of aerial images, the quarter micron performance of an advanced deep UV excimer stepper is analyzed. The aerial images are compared to corresponding simulation results as well as data obtained on an aerial image measurement system (AIMS). The study includes three different mask types: standard chrome on glass, an attenuated and an alternating phase shifting mask. Substrate effects as well as laser spectral purity effects have been measured. In general, the data show that simulation and AIMS data represent an upper limit for the aerial image contrast, which may be degraded significantly under real world imaging conditions. Use of a bottom anti reflective layer and a new laser with improved spectral bandwidth result in optimum aerial images close to those measured on AIMS, but they are still worse than simulation results. Some examples of quarter micron resist profiles and process windows in a deep UV resist are shown that were obtained under these optimized conditions with an excimer laser stepper.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Determination of Calcium Diffusion Coefficients as an Estimator of the Long-Term Dissolution Potential of Phosphogypsum:Cement:Lime Composites

Phosphogypsum (PG), a solid waste byproduct of phosphoric acid production, was stabilized with lime and cement to produce composites for aquatic applications. Fifteen PG:cement:lime compositions were fabricated and subjected to a 28 day dynamic leaching test (salinity = 20‰) to determine calcium diffusion coefficients used to estimate the composites' long-term dissolution potentials. A one-dimensional diffusion model was used to calculate diffusion coefficients, which were then regressed against PG, cement, and lime percentages to determine the optimal composition for saltwater applications. The diffusion coefficients of the composites ranged from 10-4 to 10-7 (cm2·day-1). Both cement and lime contribute negatively to the diffusion coefficient; however, the interactions between cement and PG and between lime and PG contribute positively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations of the composites used in the dynamic leaching test showed that ruptures developed in all combinations except the 70%:30%:...
CARDIAC TROPONIN I AND B-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE PREDICT CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN STABLE RENAL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

Cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptides are becoming established as predictors of clinical outcomes (CO) in patients with cardiovascular (CV) disease; however their value in renal transplant recipients has not been established. Using a case-control design, we tested baseline specimens from 1114
A New Redox Host for Intercalative Polymerization: Insertion of Polyaniline into α-RuCl3

α-RuCl3 is a new host for polymer intercalation using an in situ redox intercalative polymerization recaction. With the aid of ambient oxygen, aniline molecules get oxidatively polymerized by the R...
Propagation of Gaussian beams through a modified von Karman phase screen

Gaussian beam propagation through a thin screen and an extended random media has been studied using a beam propagation method. We use the modified von Karman spectrum model to describe the phase screen statistics. The scintillation index is analyzed as a function of the structure constant, phase screen location, the initial width and curvature of the Gaussian beam, etc. The numerical simulations are extended using a pair of Gaussian beams. We examine the interference of the beams and measure the fringe visibility at the target. The results are correlated with the scintillation index.
Absolute and Relative Secondary-Sexual Dimorphism in Wing Morphology: A Multivariate Test of the ‘Big Mother’ Hypothesis

In many bat species, average body size of females is larger than males. One common explanation is that larger females exhibit greater reproductive success. One avenue whereby increased size could positively affect fitness is by improving aerodynamic performance. We examined secondary sexual size dimorphism in wing elements of Artibeus lituratus. In particular we examined absolute differences, relative differences after controlling for disparities in body size, and differences in the degree of morphological integration of wing elements. Females were absolutely and relatively larger than males in many wing elements and exhibited no difference in morphological integration. Absolute and relative differences in size of wing elements are likely related to enhanced aerodynamic performance in females, especially related to weight gain during reproduction. Future studies should examine patterns of dimorphism across the geographic distribution of this species to better understand the particular ecological and environmental context in which such size differences manifest.
Functional integrals for spin‐Bose systems

The problem of obtaining the propagator of a spin‐Bose system consisting of spins‐ 1/2 and several radiation modes in interaction is reduced to developing a bosonized Hamiltonian for the system from the propagator of which, by appropriate projection, the propagator relating to the original Hamiltonian is extracted. The analysis proceeds via functional integration involving the evaluation of two auxiliary propagators of Schrodinger equations whose Hamiltonians depend separately on radiation operators, and bosonized spin operators. These propagators are coupled through a complex field and the functional average of their product against a Gaussian measure of the field leads to the bosonized system’s propagator. The procedure is applied to the propagator for a single spin‐Bose system which is obtained as a power series in the spin flipping energy. The analysis is also applied for an explicit evaluation in the case of a simplified spin‐Bose Hamiltonian.
Picosecond Internal Conversion in Crystal Violet.

Abstract Using the second harmonic of a mode-locked Nd 3+ laser, we show that the efficient quenching of the S 1 state in crystal violet (τ R −8 sec, yet Q −4 in ethanol), involves very rapid repopulation of the ground state. The repopulation time exhibits a cube root dependence on solvent viscosity. We argue that our data are best explained by direct internal conversion. We suggest that the class of triphenyl and diphenylmethane dyes should prove to be efficient and versatile bleachable shutters and passive mode-locking elements for laser construction.
Removing gender signature from fingerprints

The need of sharing fingerprint image data in many emerging applications raises concerns about the protection of privacy. It has become possible to use automated algorithms for inferring soft biometrics from fingerprint images. Even if we cannot uniquely match the person to an existing fingerprint, revealing their age or gender may lead to undesirable consequences. Our research is focused on de-identifying fingerprint images in order to obfuscate soft biometrics. In this paper, we first discuss a general framework for soft biometrics fingerprint deidentification. We implemented the framework to reduce the risk of successful estimation of gender from fingerprint images using ad-hoc image filtering. We evaluate the proposed approach through experiments using a data set of rolled fingerprints collected at West Virginia University. Results show the proposed method is effective in preventing gender estimation from fingerprint images.
Chromium(III)-citrate complexes: a study using ion exchange and isotachophoresis

Abstract Aqueous solutions containing equimolar chromium(III) and citric acid at various total concentrations and pH values were fractionated by weak ion exchange on amino-propyl-derivatized silica and by isotachophoresis. The chromium : citrate combining ratios were determined by liquid scintillation spectrometry. Of the approximately 15 solution species formed, the six major species were found to contain chromium and citrate in a ratio of 1 : 1. Possible structures of these complexes are discussed.
Comparative Pharmacology and Toxicology of Pharmaceuticals in the Environment: Diphenhydramine Protection of Diazinon Toxicity in Danio rerio but Not Daphnia magna

Pharmaceuticals and other contaminants of emerging concern present unique challenges to environmental risk assessment and management. Fortunately, mammalian pharmacology and toxicology safety data are more readily available for pharmaceuticals than other environmental contaminants. Identifying approaches to read-across such pharmaceutical safety information to non-target species represents a major research need to assess environmental hazards. Here, we tested a biological read-across hypothesis from emergency medicine with common aquatic invertebrate and vertebrate models. In mammals, the antihistamine diphenhydramine (DPH) confers protection from poisoning by acetylcholinesterase inhibition because DPH blocks the acetylcholine receptor. We employed standardized toxicity methods to examine individual and mixture toxicity of DPH and the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor diazinon (DZN) in Daphnia magna (an invertebrate) and Danio rerio (zebrafish, a vertebrate). Though the standardized Fish Embryo Toxicity method evaluates early life stage toxicity of zebrafish (0–3 days post fertilization, dpf), we further evaluated DPH, DZN, and their equipotent mixture during three development stages (0–3, 3–6, 7–10 dpf) in zebrafish embryos. Independent action and concentration addition mixture models and fish plasma modeling were used to assist interpretation of mixture toxicity experiments. Though our primary hypothesis was not confirmed in acute studies with Daphnia magna, DPH conferred a protective effect for acute DZN toxicity to zebrafish when DPH plasma levels were expected to be greater than mammalian therapeutic, but lower than acutely lethal, internal doses. We further observed that timing of developmental exposure influenced the magnitude of DZN and DPH toxicity to zebrafish, which suggests that future zebrafish toxicity studies with pharmaceuticals and pesticides should examine exposure during developmental stages.
Effect of Small Levels of Impurities on the Water Vapor Sorption Behavior of Ranitidine HCl

Deliquescence is the process by which a solid undergoes dissolution by sorbing moisture from its surroundings when a characteristic relative humidity, RH0, is reached. For mixtures of two or more deliquescent solids, RH0 will generally be lowered. The goal of this research was to investigate the effect of small amounts of impurities or degradants on RH0 for a model deliquescent pharmaceutical salt. The model salt chosen for this work was ranitidine HCl, which has two polymorphic forms. Moisture sorption profiles for each polymorph and samples of different purities were obtained using a gravimetric water vapor sorption balance. Polymorphs of a similar purity yielded virtually identical moisture sorption profiles. In contrast, samples containing higher levels of impurities had both enhanced moisture sorption below RH0 and a lowered value of RH0. It was concluded that small levels of degradants and/or impurities can drastically affect the moisture sorption profile of a deliquescent material, both through affecting the deliquescence relative humidity and by altering the overall interaction of the substance with moisture. Such changes in behavior may have significant effects on both active pharmaceutical ingredient and drug product stability during both processing and storage.
Radiation-induced polygenic mutation in Arabidopsis thaliana

Three experiments were carried out designed to examine further the properties of radiation-induced mutations affecting flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana and some of the variables which influence these properties, such as the genotype of the variety that was irradiated (first experiment) and the factors which influence the accumulation of mutations within a single inbred line (second and third experiments). The average additive effect of the induced mutations was found to be independent of parental genotype, supporting the view that this property depends on the relation between the particular character studied and fitness rather than the frequency of “plus” and “minus” alleles in the parental genome as suggested by Brock (1965). Considerable response to selection was obtained in families derived by crossing inbred lines which had been previously irradiated and selected, indicating that few of the mutations fixed in these lines were allelic or linked. This result also suggests that each line contained few mutations, each of relatively large effect. Lines which were irradiated and selected every generation showed a linear relationship between response and accumulated dose in both the early and late flowering direction during generations one to five, but a negative response in the early direction and disproportionately large response in the late direction among generations six to nine inclusive. It is suggested that mutations induced in the later generations interact with those fixed in the early generations giving an adverse effect of multiple mutant combinations on fitness. Such interactions may impose limits on the usefulness of induced mutations in plant breeding.