cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forming Limit Analysis of Sheet Metals Based on a Generalized Deformation Theory

This paper presents the development of a generalized method to predict forming limits of sheet metals. The vertex theory which was developed by Storen and Rice (1975) and recently simplified by Zhu, Weinmann and Chandra (2001), is employed in the analysis to characterize the localized necking (or localized bifurcation) mechanism in elastoplastic materials. The plastic anisotropy of materials is considered. A generalized deformation theory of plasticity is proposed. The theory considers Hosford's high-order yield criterion (1979), Hill's quadratic yield criterion and the von Mises yield criterion. For the von Mises yield criterion, the generalized deformation theory reduces to the conventional deformation theory of plasticity, i.e., the J 2 -theory. Under proportional loading condition, the direction of localized band is known to vary with the loading path at the negative strain ratio region or the left hand side (LHS) of forming limit diagrams (FLDs). On the other hand, the localized band is assumed to be always perpendicular to the major strain at the positive strain ratio region or the right hand side (RHS) of FLDs. Analytical expressions for critical tangential modulus are derived for both LHS and RHS of FLDs. For a given strain hardening rule, the limit strains can be calculated and consequently the FLD is determined. Especially, when assuming power-law strain hardening, the limit strains can be explicitly given on both sides of FLD. Whatever form of a yield criterion is adopted, the LHS of the FLD always coincides with that given by Hill's zero-extension criterion. However, at the RHS of FLD, the forming limit depends largely on the order of a chosen yield function. Typically, a higher order yield function leads to a lower limit strain. The theoretical result of this study is compared with those reported by earlier researchers for Al 2028 and Al 6111-T4 (Grafand Hosford, 1993; Chow et al., 1997).
Data quality of seismic records from the Tohoku, Japan, earthquake as recorded across the Albuquerque Seismological Laboratory networks

Online material : Additional network summary figures. Great earthquakes recorded across modern digital seismographic networks, such as the recent Tohoku, Japan, earthquake on 11 March 2011 ( Mw = 9.0 ), provide unique datasets that ultimately lead to a better understanding of the Earth’s structure ( e.g. , Pesicek et al. 2008) and earthquake sources ( e.g. , Ammon et al. 2011). For network operators, such events provide the opportunity to look at the performance across their entire network using a single event, as the ground motion records from the event will be well above every station’s noise floor. Methods for in situ identification of possible instrumentation problems have been the focus of a number of recent studies (Davis et al. 2005; Ekstrom et al. 2006; Davis and Berger 2007; Ekstrom and Busby 2008; Ringler et al. 2010). One common thread to these studies is that they all rely on a large number of observations or focus on specific frequencies to identify possible instrumentation problems. In contrast, great earthquakes such as Tohoku provide the opportunity for station operators to verify instrument sensitivities as well as to identify other possible station problems ( e.g. , excessive noise at the station, clipped records, or low-gain instrument problems) from a single event, allowing station operators to identify current instrumentation problems without having to use a large number of historical events. This approach also allows station operators to see potential changes in data quality as a result of recent station maintenance visits ( e.g. , modernization of current station digitizers to Quanterra Q330HRs; Anderson et al. 2011), along with other improvements to data quality such as changes in calibration practices (Ringler et al. , 2012). Recent accessibility to high-quality full-waveform synthetic seismograms derived from 3D Earth models (Tromp et al. 2010), along with well-constrained …
Nanostructural features degrading the performance of superconducting radio frequency niobium cavities revealed by transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy

Nanoscale defect structure within the magnetic penetration depth of ∼100 nm is key to the performance limitations of niobium superconducting radio frequency cavities. Using a unique combination of advanced thermometry during cavity RF measurements, and TEM structural and compositional characterization of the samples extracted from cavity walls, we discover the existence of nanoscale hydrides in electropolished cavities limited by the high field Q slope, and show the decreased hydride formation in the electropolished cavity after 120 °C baking. Furthermore, we demonstrate that adding 800 °C hydrogen degassing followed by light buffered chemical polishing restores the hydride formation to the pre-120 °C bake level. We also show absence of niobium oxides along the grain boundaries and the modifications of the surface oxide upon 120 °C bake.
A simple headspace equilibration method for measuring dissolved methane

Dissolved methane concentrations in the ocean are close to equilibrium with the atmosphere. Because methane is only sparingly soluble in seawater, measuring it without contamination is challenging for samples collected and processed in the presence of air. Several methods for analyzing dissolved methane are described in the literature, yet none has conducted a thorough assessment of the method yield, contamination issues during collection, transport and storage, and the effect of temperature changes and preservative. Previous extraction methods transfer methane from water to gas by either a "sparge and trap" or a "headspace equilibration" technique. The gas is then analyzed for methane by gas chromatography. Here, we revisit the headspace equilibration technique and describe a simple, inexpensive, and reliable method to measure methane in fresh and seawater, regardless of concentration. Within the range of concentrations typically found in surface seawaters (2-1000 nmol L-1), the yield of the method nears 100% of what is expected from solubility calculation following the addition of known amount of methane. In addition to being sensitive (detection limit of 0.1 ppmv, or 0.74 nmol L-1), this method requires less than 10 min per sample, and does not use highly toxic chemicals. It can be conducted with minimum materials and does not require the use of a gas chromatograph at the collection site. It can therefore be used in various remote working environments and conditions.
Characterizing the contribution of cardiac and hepatic uptake in dedicated breast SPECT using tilted trajectories

A small field of view, high resolution gamma camera has been integrated into a dedicated breast, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) device. The detector can be flexibly positioned relative to the breast and image beyond the chest wall, allowing the system to capture direct views of the heart and liver. The incomplete sampling of these organs creates artifacts in reconstructed images, complicating lesion detection. To understand the limits imposed on a 3D acquisition trajectory, sequential tilted trajectories at increasing polar tilt are utilized to collect data of anthropomorphic phantoms filled with aqueous 99mTc in a clinically realistic concentration ratio. The counts collected per projection between different scans and the SNR, contrast and resolution (FWHM) of two hot lesions were compared. As expected, the counts per projection increased when the camera had direct views of the heart and liver, but remained relatively constant at other angles. The SNR, contrast and FWHM were more affected by the insufficient sampling of the data by the large polar angles than by the cardiac and hepatic activity. An upper bound on polar tilt for each azimuthal position reduces the artifacts in the reconstructed images. Such trajectories were implemented to show artifact-free reconstructed images.
The necessity for long-term antibiotic therapy with positive arterial wall cultures

Abstract The results of treatment after excision of infected arterial grafts were analyzed as a function of aortic/arterial wall cultures and duration of antibiotic therapy in 33 patients. Four patients died during surgery and 29 patients were observed for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 76 months. Negative arterial wall cultures (NAwC) were found in 16 patients, three of whom died of multiple-organ failure and sepsis but none of whom had aortic/arterial disruption/hemorrhage. Positive arterial wall cultures (PAwC) were found in 13 patients, seven of whom received short-term, broad-spectrum antibiotics for less than 10 days (PAwC-STA) and six of whom received long-term culture-specific antibiotic therapy (intravenous therapy for 6 weeks and oral therapy for 6 months) (PAwC-LTA). Five of seven patients in the PAwC-STA group died of aortic disruption or hemorrhage, one patient had severe hemorrhage caused by disintegration of a saphenous vein patch over the common femoral artery, and one patient had a recurrent aortoenteric fistula. There were 10 episodes of arterial disruption/hemorrhage in those seven patients. All episodes of aortic/arterial disruption/hemorrhage occurred in the PAwC-STA subgroup (seven of seven patients) and none occurred in the PAwC-LTA subgroup (none of six patients) (0.005 p p p arterial but not graft cultures. These data demonstrate that the risk of arterial/aortic disruption in patients with positive arterial wall cultures after excision of an infected graft is decreased by the long-term use of culture-specific antibiotics. (J VASC SURG 1988;8:262-7.)
Annual biomarker record for export production in the central Arabian Sea

The record for plankton biomarkers in sediment trap samples from a one-year experiment in the central Arabian Sea (AS4: 15°59′N 61°30′E) shows variations that reflect changing biological conditions in surface waters. Particulate fluxes of C37–39 alkenones, highly branched C25 isoprenoids (HBI), dinosterol, nC28 12-hydroxy fatty acid, 24-ethylcholesterol, and a C30–34 series of pentacyclic triterpanols all displayed distinct maxima at the start and stop of the Northeast (NE) and Southwest (SW) Monsoons. Surface mixing conditions changed rapidly at these times, altering light and nutrient availability, thereby triggering these biomarker signals of export production. Temporal offsets noted in individual biomarker concentrations (per g total organic carbon) at the start of the SW Monsoon suggest succession occurs in the phytoplankton community contributing to organic matter export. Comparable offsets were neither apparent at the start of the less dynamic NE Monsoon nor at the end of the NE or SW Monsoons. Broad concentration maxima for HBI also were observed at the beginning and end of the time-series during the relatively quiescent Fall Intermonsoon period when such features were conspicuously absent for other biomarkers. HBI are reputed biomarkers of Rhizoselenia and Haslea spp., two recognized dominants of diatom biomass in the Arabian Sea. These peaks in biomarker concentration could reflect either changes in the relative proportion of specific organisms that contribute to the upper ocean productivity or enhanced preservation of the biomarkers during times of high export production. In either case, the biomarker record in sediment traps reflects important changes in the biological condition of the upper ocean. All biomarkers except HBI were measurable in surface sediments deposited beneath the trap site. Comparison with concentrations in average sediment trap particles showed each was sensitive to significant (∼99%) degradation, displaying depletion factors relative to TOC of ⩾4. Clearly, consequences of such high levels of early diagenetic recycling must be considered carefully when conclusions about changes in export production from surface waters in past oceans are drawn from stratigraphic analysis of biomarkers in marine sediments.
Computation of allelic frequencies using the “Cerberus” beowulf cluster

Short Tandem Repeats (STR) are specific repeats of a sequence of four or more nucleotides with no breaks in it (e.g. ATAGATAGATAGATAG where `ATAG' is the repeating sequence). In criminal investigations involving biological evidence, the FBI recognizes 13 core loci (specific areas on chromosomes where STRs are most commonly found) where usually one or two alleles exist for every individual [1]. These 13 loci are organized in a table form, called an Allele Panel, showing the locus analyzed and the number of paternal and maternal STRs that are present in each. However, in some criminal and anthropological cases, more than two alleles may present themselves in any allele of a panel. This can be problematic, since one particular individual should only have one or two STRs per allele (one inherited from their father and one inherited from their mother). If 3 or more STRs are present, for example, minimally 3 or more subjects' DNA is being analyzed. This sort of mixture can occur by contamination from the scientist(s) testing the sample or by the presence of DNAs from multiple individuals.
Characterization of gene expression during stress: Implications for anesthesiology and critical care

T HIS review discusses evolving concepts of severe physiologic "stress." Surgical stress has been previously characterized by examination of physiologic variables, such as neuroendocrine hormones, sympathetic mediators, extracellular fluids, and nutritional status. Anesthesiology practitioners are now adept at delivering safe anesthetics to an older and sicker patient population due to improved monitoring, pharmacologic interventions, and better understanding of pathophysiology. Advances in molecular biology will allow better characterization of physiology at the cellular and molecular levels. Molecular biology may now be the force to unify physiology, pharmacology, and biology. This report provides a brief discussion of important aspects of severe stress at the cellular level and how the impact of molecular biology can advance treatment. Detailed understanding of the multi-faceted "stress response" will allow selective enhancement of certain physiologic responses and attenuation of others. Perdrizet, at the Hartford Hospital Trauma Program, 1 speculates that staged operative management of massive trauma is a way to "take advantage of the patient's intrinsic adaptive response..." Stage 1 at the Hartford Hospital after major trauma is "damage control laparotomy." Stage 2 is a return to the operating room 48 hours later for a more definitive repair, after intensive metabolic support. Perdrizet hypothesizes that the "metabolic basis for the successes.., is at the cellular level and is analogous to the cytoprotection observed to follow heat shock gene expression...The initial shock, trauma, and operative intervention followed by a period of normal homeostatic recovery has in essence 'stress-conditioned' the patient." An overview of common techniques is provided here that can be used to characterize gene expression during and after severe stress, such as those after major surgery, trauma, or shock from any etiology. Brief descriptions of these techniques will be given, with suggestions for further reading for a more in-depth understanding and for those who wish to apply these procedures in their own work. The reader will also be directed to sources for review of basic concepts in molecular biology. Current applications of molecular biology in perioperative medicine and gene expression in states of pathophysiology will be illustrated. Finally, predictions for exciting areas of future research focus will be presented.
Thirty years of fun with antenna pigment-proteins and photochemical reaction centers: A tribute to the people who have influenced my career.

The author summarizes the research contributions to photosynthesis made by him, his graduate and postdoctoral students, visiting scientists and by his collaboration with other photosynthesis workers during 1964–1994. The development of isolation procedures and biochemical/biophysical characterization of antenna pigment-proteins and photochemical reaction centers are described together with the author's education and experiences as a scientific researcher. Some anecdotes hopefully add insight into what it was like to be in this area of science during the period.
Plasma lipids and risk of developing renal dysfunction: the atherosclerosis risk in communities study.

Plasma lipids and risk of developing renal dysfunction: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Background Animal and in vitro data suggest that dyslipidemia plays an important role in the initiation and progression of chronic renal disease, but few prospective studies have been conducted in humans. Methods We studied the relationship of plasma lipids to a rise in serum creatinine of 0.4 mg/dL or greater in 12,728 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) participants with baseline serum creatinine that was less than 2.0 mg/dL in men and less than 1.8 mg/dL in women. Results During a mean follow-up of 2.9 years, 191 persons had a rise in creatinine of 0.4 mg/dL or greater, yielding an incidence rate of 5.1 per 1000 person years. Individuals with higher triglycerides and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and HDL-2 cholesterol at baseline were at increased risk for a rise in creatinine after adjustment for race, gender, baseline age, diabetes, serum creatinine, systolic blood pressure, and antihypertensive medication use (all P trends ≤0.02). The adjusted relative risk for the highest versus lowest quartile of triglycerides was 1.65 (95% CI, 1.1, 2.5, P = 0.01) and for HDL was 0.47 (95% CI, 0.3, 0.8, P = 0.003). These associations were significant in participants with normal creatinine (defined as Conclusions High triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol, but not low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, predict an increased risk of renal dysfunction. The treatment of these lipid abnormalities may decrease the incidence of early renal disease.
Regulation of somatostatins and their receptors in fish.

Abstract The multifunctional nature of the somatostatin (SS) family of peptides results from a multifaceted signaling system consisting of many forms of SS peptides that bind to a variety of receptor (SSTR) subtypes. Research in fish has contributed important information about the components, function, evolution, and regulation of this system. Somatostatins or mRNAs encoding SSs have been isolated from over 20 species of fish. Peptides and deduced peptides differ in their amino acid chain length and/or composition, and most species of fish possess more than one form of SS. The structural heterogeneity of SSs results from differential processing of the hormone precursor, preprosomatostatin (PPSS), and from the existence of multiple genes that give rise to multiple PPSSs. The PPSS genes appear to have arisen through a series of gene duplication events over the course of vertebrate evolution. The numerous PPSSs of fish are differentially expressed, both in terms of the distribution among tissues and in terms of the relative abundance within a tissue. Accumulated evidence suggests that nutritional state, season/stage of sexual maturation, and many hormones [insulin (INS), glucagon, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and 17β-estradiol (E2)] regulate the synthesis and release of particular SSs. Fish and mammals possess multiple SSTRs; four different SSTRs have been described in fish and several of these occur as isoforms. SSTRs are also wide spread and are differentially expressed, both in terms of distribution of tissues as well as in terms of relative abundance within tissues. The pattern of distribution of SSTRs may underlie tissue-specific responses of SSs. The synthesis of SSTR mRNA and SS-binding capacity are regulated by nutritional state and numerous hormones (INS, GH, IGF-I, and E2). Accumulated evidence suggests the possibility of both tissue- and subtype-specific mechanisms of regulation. In many instances, there appears to be coordinate regulation of PPSS and of SSTR; such regulation may prove important for many processes, including nutrient homeostasis and growth control.
Ranking of fuzzy sets based on the concept of existence

Abstract Various approaches have been proposed for the comparison or ranking of fuzzy sets. However, due to the complexity of the problem, a general method which can be used for any situation still does not exist. This paper formalizes the concept of existence for the ranking of fuzzy sets. Many of the existing fuzzy ranking methods are shown to be some application of this concept. An improved fuzzy ranking method is then introduced, based on this concept. This newly introduced method is expanded for treating both normal and nonnormal, convex and nonconvex fuzzy sets. Emphasis is placed on the use of the subjectivity of the decision maker, such as the optimistic or the pessimistic view points. An improved procedure for obtaining linguistic conclusions is also developed. Finally, some numerical examples are given to illustrate the approach.
Detection and distribution of food-borne bacteria in ready-to-eat foods in Korea

In this study, the contamination levels of total aerobic plate counts, Escherichia coli and various pathogenic bacteria in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods were investigated in Korea. A total of 634 samples were purchased randomly from 47 stores located in 3 different provinces. The aerobic plate count levels of RTE occurred in a relatively wide range, of 1.0–7.9 log CFU/g. E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes were detected in only 2 samples in the qualitative test. Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus were detected in 12.3 and 12.6% of the samples at levels up to 1 log CFU/g. These results demonstrate that RTE foods in Korea can be contaminated by a variety of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, precautionary measures are necessary for consumer protection, including the improvement of sanitary conditions in the processing plants and sales locations for RTE products in Korea.
Multi-Axis Electromagnetic Moving-Coil Micro-Actuator

This paper presents the design and proposed fabrication of an electromagnetic (EM) micro-actuator capable of independent force output in two orthogonal axes of motion. This actuator enables independently controlled in- and out-of-plane motion when coupled with a suitable flexure. An electromagnetic force model is presented. Simulation results indicate that the actuator can output several mNewtons per square millimeter of footprint in two orthogonal axes with electrical bandwidth greater than 1 MHz. In addition, we show that the micro-actuator may be designed to eliminate parasitic force and torque by tuning the coil geometry. A bench-level prototype nanopositioner has been designed and built with centimeter-scale prototype actuator coils and magnets. Predicted static displacement matches the measured values to within 5%. Efforts to further miniaturize the device are described, including a four-mask micro-fabrication process that is to be used to fabricate two-axis actuators for a six-axis nanopositioner. Parts of these processes have been used to create prototype micro-coils that sustain current densities greater than 1000 A/mm2 .Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Effects of intracranial implants of dihydrotestosterone on the reproductive physiology and behavior of male guinea pigs

An experiment was conducted to determine whether the intracranial application of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a nonaromatizable androgen, would stimulate male guinea pig mating. Of three castrate groups studied, one was a control group in which subjects were implanted both in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) and under the skin with cannulae containing cholesterol (NoDHT). Males in one of the experimental groups received implants of cholesterol in the MPOA plus subcutaneous implants containing DHT (ScDHT). Members of the other experimental group were subcutaneously implanted with cholesterol and simultaneously given intracranial implants of DHT (IcDHT). Compared to either the NoDHT control group or the ScDHT experimental group, greater numbers of males in the IcDHT group displayed mounts (P < 0.01), intromissions (P < 0.01), and ejaculations (P < 0.001). Additionally, the hypothalamic implants of DHT had no significant effects on peripheral target tissues. These data indicate that androgenic stimulation of the guinea pig brain is sufficient to activate masculine sexual behavior in this species.
Dispensers for Baiting Traps Equipped with Blacklight Lamps with Synthetic Sex Pheromone of the Female Cabbage Looper

When methods of dispensing the synthetic sex pheromone of female cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) in traps equipped with blacklight lamp were tested, mixtures of sand and pheromone in glass jars and cloth bags, and squares of carpet impregnated with the pheromone effectively increased the catches of male cabbage looper moths. However, their periods of peak attractancy were short. A wick dispenser equipped with a dust shield was as effective as other methods and remained highly attractive for longer periods.
Effects of manure storage design on nitrogen conservation

Abstract Two earthen manure storages receiving dairy cow manure and milking parlor washwater were studied for about a year with regard to nitrogen conservation. The storage loaded from the top by a push ramp lost 29–39% of the nitrogen added. This high loss appeared to be due to the large surface area of the storage. In contrast, the storage loaded from the bottom by gravity lost only 3–8%, which was similar to other types of bottom-loaded storages that have been reported.
DBSecSys: a database of Burkholderia mallei secretion systems

Bacterial pathogenicity represents a major public health concern worldwide. Secretion systems are a key component of bacterial pathogenicity, as they provide the means for bacterial proteins to penetrate host-cell membranes and insert themselves directly into the host cells’ cytosol. Burkholderia mallei is a Gram-negative bacterium that uses multiple secretion systems during its host infection life cycle. To date, the identities of secretion system proteins for B. mallei are not well known, and their pathogenic mechanisms of action and host factors are largely uncharacterized. We present the Database of B urkholderia mallei Secretion Systems (DBSecSys), a compilation of manually curated and computationally predicted bacterial secretion system proteins and their host factors. Currently, DBSecSys contains comprehensive experimentally and computationally derived information about B. mallei strain ATCC 23344. The database includes 143 B. mallei proteins associated with five secretion systems, their 1,635 human and murine interacting targets, and the corresponding 2,400 host-B. mallei interactions. The database also includes information about 10 pathogenic mechanisms of action for B. mallei secretion system proteins inferred from the available literature. Additionally, DBSecSys provides details about 42 virulence attenuation experiments for 27 B. mallei secretion system proteins. Users interact with DBSecSys through a Web interface that allows for data browsing, querying, visualizing, and downloading. DBSecSys provides a comprehensive, systematically organized resource of experimental and computational data associated with B. mallei secretion systems. It provides the unique ability to study secretion systems not only through characterization of their corresponding pathogen proteins, but also through characterization of their host-interacting partners. The database is available at https://applications.bhsai.org/dbsecsys .
Rotted wood–alga–fungus: the history and life of Prototaxites Dawson 1859

Abstract The Devonian flora discovered and collected by W.E. Logan in 1843 remained unstudied until 1855 at which time the collections were offered to J.W. Dawson. His attention was immediately drawn to a single large specimen in the collections, which he identified and described as partially rotted wood of a conifer ( Dawson, 1857 ). He proposed the name Prototaxites ( Dawson, 1859 ) thereby expressing his concept of the genus. That concept remained unchallenged until Carruthers (1872) heatedly ridiculed both the name and the author and illegitimately substituted the name Nematophycus . His subjective opinion was that the fossil represented a fragment of a very large alga, like Lessonia . His classification, challenged only once ( Church, 1919 ), persisted in all subsequent reports. Dawson remained adamant in his definition of Prototaxites until he illegitimately substituted the name Nematophyton for Prototaxites ( Dawson, 1888 ) and denied ( Dawson, in Penhallow, 1889 ) that he had ever classed the genus with the conifers. The names Nematophycus and Nematophyton are later synonyms of Prototaxites and, although inappropriate in connotation, Prototaxites is nomenclaturally valid. No undoubted original nor associated specimens are available for choice of a lectotype. This report has a triple purpose: (1) to name, as neotype, a recognizable specimen collected by Dawson for which the locality and stratigraphic data are known, (2) to redescribe the genus as structurally composed of three interactive forms of hyphae, i.e. large thin-walled, septate, branching, generative hyphae; large thick-walled, non-septate, skeletal hyphae; and small thin-walled, septate, branching, binding hyphae, which combine to form a gigantic, phototropic, amphigenous, perennial sporophore with saprobic nutrition, and (3) to classify it in the Kingdom Fungi. Generic synonymy with Prototaxites is proposed for Nematophycus ( Carruthers, 1872 ).
Facilitating the Slave Trade: Company Slaves at Cape Coast Castle, 1750–1807

From 1750 to 1821, Britain's Company of Merchants Trading to Africa relied upon its company slaves to fulfil its mission of facilitating Britain's African trade. Company slavery was a unique system within the Atlantic, for while these slaves were property, they received a wage, retained specific rights and integrated themselves into the local community. The toil of these slaves played an important role in expanding Britain's African trade, yet they consistently resisted the company and, in doing so, defined a coastal position for themselves.
Amino Acid Supplementation of Mandioca Meal Chick Diets

Abstract INTRODUCTION WHEN mandioca meal is the major carbohydrate source in chick diets, growth and efficiency are diminished when compared to conventional rations which are isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Enriquez and Ross (1967) largely overcame the depressing effects noted with high cassava rations by supplementing the diet with 0.15% methionine. In earlier studies conducted by Olson et al. (1969) at this station, there was some indication that supplementing the chick diet containing 45% mandioca meal with 0.10% methionine and 0.10% leucine produced a response. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of supplemented methionine or leucine either singly or in combination to chick diets containing 45 % mandioca meal. 2 MATERIALS AND METHODS A composite sample from the various lots of mandioca meal was taken and analyzed for amino acids with an amino acid analyzer by the procedure of Moore et al. (1958), with the exception of histidine, cystine, and…
PTIP Promotes Chromatin Changes Critical for Immunoglobulin Class Switch Recombination

Programmed genetic rearrangements in lymphocytes require transcription at antigen receptor genes to promote accessibility for initiating double-strand break (DSB) formation critical for DNA recombination and repair. Here, we showed that activated B cells deficient in the PTIP component of the MLL3 (mixed-lineage leukemia 3)-MLL4 complex display impaired trimethylation of histone 3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) and transcription initiation of downstream switch regions at the immunoglobulin heavy-chain (Igh) locus, leading to defective immunoglobulin class switching. We also showed that PTIP accumulation at DSBs contributes to class switch recombination (CSR) and genome stability independently of Igh switch transcription. These results demonstrate that PTIP promotes specific chromatin changes that control the accessibility of the Igh locus to CSR and suggest a nonredundant role for the MLL3-MLL4 complex in altering antibody effector function.
Identification of IgE-bearing cells in the late-phase response to antigen in the lung as basophils

We have carried out studies to ascertain whether the histamine-containing, IgE-bearing cells found in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid obtained during the late-phase response following subsegmental antigen challenge of human airways are predominantly basophils or mast cells. Four lines of evidence suggest that most are basophils: (1) The cells fulfill morphologic criteria for light microscopy. (2) Cell surface markers determined by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry revealed that the IgE-bearing cells express the leukocyte antigens Fc gamma RII and the beta 2 integrins, LFA-1 and Mac-1, but do not express the mast cell-associated c-kit receptor for stem cell factor. (3) The late-phase histamine-containing cells in late-phase BAL fluids have the functional characteristics of basophils in their secretory responses to anti-IgE, the f-met peptide, and phorbol ester TPA. (4) The cells have a functional histamine type 2 receptor, a characteristic of basophils, not mast cells. We conclude that basophils...
Hematopoietic progenitor cells regulate their niche microenvironment through a novel mechanism of cell-cell communication

Cellular communication within a larger microenvironment is critical for a number of physiological processes. Within the bone marrow niche, direct cell communication between hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and osteoblasts provides essential cues for their proliferation and survival. While contact-dependent communication between HPCs and osteoblasts is known to be critical, the molecular pathways that govern this interaction are largely unclear. Moreover, the downstream events occurring at the HPC/osteoblast contact site remain uncharacterized, despite their major role in signaling and remodeling within the niche microenvironment. Using live cell imaging approaches, we found that intercellular transfer is a novel mode of cell communication within the bone marrow niche microenvironment. HPCs made prolonged contact with the osteoblast surface via a specialized membrane domain enriched in prominin 1, CD63 and rhodamine PE. At the contact site, portions of the HPC specialized domain containing these mole...
Preemption in R&D races☆

Abstract Fudenberg, Gilbert, Stiglitz and Tirole (1983) consider a patent race in which each firm's instantaneous probability of discovering a patentable invention is an increasing function of its cumulative expenditure on RD in particular, we show that for intermediate values of τ it is possible for the follower to ‘spoil’ the race by forcing the leader to drop out.
Models for the origin and composition of the earth, and the hypothesis of potassium in the Earth's core

Progress in understanding the condensation of planetary constituents from a solar nebula necessitates a re-examination of models for the origin and composition of the Earth. All models which appear to be viable require the Earth to have an Fe−FeS core and the full, or nearly full, solar (i.e. chondritic) K/Si ratio. The crust and upper mantle do not contain the requisite potassium for the entire Earth to have the solar K/Si ratio. Therefore, these models require that much of the Earth's potassium, about 80–90%, must be in the deep interior—in the lower mantle or in the core.
The Impact of Varying Environmental Conditions on the Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Orographic Precipitation over the Pacific Northwest near Portland, Oregon

AbstractOperational radar data from three winter seasons (2003–06) in Portland, Oregon, in the U.S. Pacific Northwest are used to describe how orographic precipitation varies with cross-barrier wind speed, 0°C level height, and stability over the moderately wide (~50-km half-width) Cascade Mountain Range. Orographic enhancement is specified in terms of location, frequency, and relative intensity of the reflectivity (precipitation field). The typical storm for the region, as defined by the 25th to 75th percentile characteristics, is compared to storms with 75th percentile characteristics for a given variable. About half of Portland-region storms have a low-level wind direction within a relatively narrow azimuth range. This subset of storms is used to examine the sensitivity of orographic enhancement relative to other environmental variables. Cross-barrier wind speed has a stronger role in determining the magnitude of precipitation frequency than either 0°C level or stability. Cross-barrier wind ...
A note on nondeterminism in small, fast parallel computers

Nondeterministic analogues of the well-known language classes NC and SC called NNC and NSC, respectively, are investigated. NC is the class of languages that can be accepted by small, fast parallel computers; SC is the class of languages that can be recognized by a deterministic Turing machine in polynomial time and polylog tape-head reversals. Adding nondeterminism to SC leaves it in the domain of parallel computation since NSC contained in POLYLOGSPACE. That is, NSC is a subset of the class of languages computable by fast parallel computers. Adding nondeterminism to NC appears to make it much more powerful since NNC=NP. It is clear that NSC contained in NNC, and probable that NSC contained in/implied by NNC. Further evidence for this conjecture is provided by showing that NSC is precisely the class of languages recognizable in simultaneous polynomial time and polylog reversals by a nondeterministic Turing machine with a read-only input tape and a single read-write work tape; it is known that NNC is similar, but is recognizable by a Turing machine with two read-write tapes. >
INFORMATICS ABOUT FEAR TO REPORT RAPES USING BUMPED-UP POISSON MODEL

The rape victims are frightened to report with a fear of retaliation or humiliation. Consequently, the number of reported rapes is under-estimated. How should the number of unreported rapes be identified is discussed in this article. For this purpose, the Poisson distribution is modified and it is named Bumped-up Poisson distribution in this article. Related probability-informatics are derived to estimate the unreported rapes and proportion fearing to report. A hypothesis testing procedure is developed to assess the significance of an estimated proportion fearing. Our approach is tried with the reported rapes during the years 2007 and 2008 in a random sample of nations in all the continents. Proximities among the nations are identified in rape incidences.
Effects of Absorption by Io on Composition of Energetic Heavy Ions

The Galileo heavy ion counter is sensitive to ions with atomic numbers Z >/= 6 and energies greater than approximately 6 MeV per nucleon. During Galileo's passage through Jupiter's inner magnetosphere, the observed composition of these heavy ions was consistent with the presence of singly ionized iogenic O, Na, and S and highly ionized solar C, O, and Ne. The solar component is absorbed more strongly by Io because its gyroradius is smaller than Io's diameter.
Effect of acute magnesium administration on the frequency of ventricular arrhythmia in patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUNDThere is a high incidence of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden death in patients with heart failure. Unfortunately, currently available antiarrhythmic agents have only limited efficacy and may result in proarrhythmia and hemodynamic deterioration in these patients.METHODS AND RESULTSWe studied the acute effect of intravenous magnesium chloride on the frequency and severity of ventricular arrhythmia in 30 patients with symptomatic heart failure using a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. The left ventricular ejection fraction was 23.0 +/- 8.0% (mean +/- SD). No patient had a history of symptomatic ventricular arrhythmia or was receiving antiarrhythmic agents, calcium channel antagonists, or beta-blockers. Patients were randomized to receive placebo (5% dextrose [D5W] in water alone) or magnesium chloride in D5W given as a bolus of 0.3 mEq/kg over 10 minutes followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.08 mEq/kg per hour for 24 hours. The magnesium concentrations 30 minutes and 24 hours ...
The discourse of age in involuntary commitment proceedings

Abstract This article examines how the discourse of age is used in involuntary mental hospitalization proceedings. Based on fieldwork in mental health and legal settings, the author describes how images of age and the life course are articulated throughout the involuntary commitment process to influence commitment decisions. The author argues that age and its meaning are interactionally accomplished. Consequently, the effects of candidate patients' age on commitment decisions do not derive directly from age per se. Rather, age's influence is established through its rhetorical usage. The authors' analysis demonstrates how the effects of age are produced through the descriptive activities of commitment proceedings.
Voluntary Control and Reactivity of Human Heart Rate

Factors in human voluntary heart rate control with and without external feedback were studied. Average voluntary heart rate control in the laboratory was comparable to the range of heart rates obtained during accelerative-decelerative ‘reactivity’ tasks in the laboratory and to heart rates obtained during various situation* outside of the laboratory. However, cardiac rate reactivity did not reliably predict voluntary control performance across subjects (Ss). With full instructions, Ss were able to increase but not decrease heart rate relative to resting levels before feedback was provided. With full-scale meter feedback. Ss could both increase and decrease heart rate relative to resting levels. Performance in Bidirectional control during feedback remained constant. The ability both to increase and to decrease heart rate transferred to the postfeedback. no-meter condition. Reversing the meaning of the Up and Down cue lights during post-feedback for half of the As had no deleterious effect on bidirectional heart rate control. The importance of physiological and situational constraints in Bidirectional heart rate control is discussed.
Prostate biopsy strategies.

There is much debate about which biopsy strategy is best to use in patients with suspected prostate cancer. In this Review the different biopsy templates are discussed in relation to their use for an initial prostate biopsy in men identified by PSA screening or an abnormal digital rectal examination and repeat biopsies.
Assembly and activation of alternative complement components on endothelial cell-anchored ultra-large von Willebrand factor links complement and hemostasis-thrombosis.

Background Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) express and release protein components of the complement pathways, as well as secreting and anchoring ultra-large von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) multimers in long string-like structures that initiate platelet adhesion during hemostasis and thrombosis. The alternative complement pathway (AP) is an important non-antibody-requiring host defense system. Thrombotic microangiopathies can be associated with defective regulation of the AP (atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome) or with inadequate cleavage by ADAMTS-13 of ULVWF multimeric strings secreted by/anchored to ECs (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura). Our goal was to determine if EC-anchored ULVWF strings caused the assembly and activation of AP components, thereby linking two essential defense mechanisms. Methodology/Principal Findings We quantified gene expression of these complement components in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by real-time PCR: C3 and C5; complement factor (CF) B, CFD, CFP, CFH and CFI of the AP; and C4 of the classical and lectin (but not alternative) complement pathways. We used fluorescent microscopy, monospecific antibodies against complement components, fluorescent secondary antibodies, and the analysis of >150 images to quantify the attachment of HUVEC-released complement proteins to ULVWF strings secreted by, and anchored to, the HUVECs (under conditions of ADAMTS-13 inhibition). We found that HUVEC-released C4 did not attach to ULVWF strings, ruling out activation of the classical and lectin pathways by the strings. In contrast, C3, FB, FD, FP and C5, FH and FI attached to ULVWF strings in quantitative patterns consistent with assembly of the AP components into active complexes. This was verified when non-functional FB blocked the formation of AP C3 convertase complexes (C3bBb) on ULVWF strings. Conclusions/Significance AP components are assembled and activated on EC-secreted/anchored ULVWF multimeric strings. Our findings provide one possible molecular mechanism for clinical linkage between different types of thrombotic and complement-mediated disorders.
A comparative study of the physicochemical properties of human keratinized tissues

Abstract Stratum corneum, hair and nail are all derived from ectodermal cells but show significant structural differences in their fully differentiated form. However, X-ray diffraction studies indicate that they all contain an α-fibrous protein with the same molecular dimensions. The greater tensile strength and stability to heating of hair and nail compared to stratum corneum can be explained by their higher content of half cystine. Studies of the isolated structural proteins indicate that the appendages contain a non-helical matrix component very rich in cystine while stratum corneum does not. Furthermore, stratum corneum has an α-fibrous protein with physicochemical properties quite different from those of hair and nail, which are very similar to one another. Despite different morphological characteristics, it appears that hair and nail have differentiated along very similar lines. However, subtle differences in the relative proportion and composition of the structural proteins can be detected. A distinguishing feature of stratum corneum is its large content of lipids which make it an effective barrier to the diffusion of water.
Time-correlation function approach to photodissociation in extended molecular systems

Abstract The dipole-dipole TCF of a molecular system is factored into self-consistent “primary” and “secondary” regions. A path-integral method is used for the primary region dynamics, whereas the secondary region dynamics is solved analytically. The case of a dissociation coordinate coupled to a collection of harmonic oscillators is presented in detail and is applied to the photodissociation on CH 3 I.
Preliminary Evaluation of an Ultrafiltration System to Minimize Phenolic Interference during Protein Extraction and Fractionation

Abstract Preliminary evaluation of an ultrafiltration system for protein/phenolic mixtures demonstrated interactions were greatly limited by extraction and separation of larger MW proteins from phenolics in aqueous 5% DMSO. A 10,000 MW cut-off filter was the most useful to separate proteins from phenolics, and no filter sustained visible damage from 5% DMSO. A cellophane dialysis bag might be equally useful. Some proteins reacted with phenolics in the 1000 to 10,000 MW fraction after dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) removal, which demonstrates DMSO protection of proteins in the presence of phenolics. The ampholyte shift can serve as a relative subjective measure of free phenolic presence. The total system requires additional refinement but demonstrates DMSO protects protein at a concentration lower than previously reported (5% vs 10 to 90%), and it may be effective as low as 1% or less.