cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The stromal composition of mast cell aggregates in systemic mastocytosis

Systemic mastocytosis is a stem cell disorder characterized histologically by the presence of multifocal compact aggregates of mast cells in at least one extracutaneous organ with or without evidence of skin lesions. The mast cell aggregates are accompanied by fibrosis, which is often significant. However, in spite of its frequent occurrence and severity, little is known about its characteristics. In this study, we evaluated the composition of the fibrotic mast cell aggregates by studying eight bone marrow biopsies and two spleens involved by systemic mastocytosis, and compared the findings with those observed in other fibrotic bone marrow disorders such as primary myelofibrosis and metastatic malignancy. Histochemistry and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate: (a) extracellular matrix (reticulin, trichrome, collagen IV, laminin); (b) stromal reticulum cells (low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor); (c) presence of myofibroblastic differentiation (smooth muscle actin) and (d) microvessel density (CD34). We found that all cases showed marked reticulin and collagen fibrosis. However, unlike primary myelofibrosis and metastatic malignancy, which are usually associated with increased low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor positivity, its expression was low in all cases of systemic mastocytosis. Myofibroblastic differentiation was only focally detected in two of eight bone marrow biopsies. In all cases, the systemic mastocytosis lesions were largely devoid of type IV collagen and laminin. The latter findings were in contrast with those seen in cases of primary myelofibrosis and metastatic malignancy where smooth muscle actin, collagen IV and laminin were expressed in most cases. Also in contrast with the other two conditions, only minimal vascularity was detectable within the fibrotic mast cell lesions. These findings indicate that systemic mastocytosis exhibits a distinct pattern of stromal change, and suggest that the fibrogenetic mechanism in systemic mastocytosis is most likely different from that of other bone marrow neoplasms which are also associated with fibrosis.
NONLINEAR LASER SPECTROSCOPY

The following subjects are discussed: two-photon Doppler-free spectroscopy and three or four wave parametric light mixing. (MHR)
Mechanism and Reactivity of Alkane C−H Bond Dissociation on Coordinatively Unsaturated Aluminum Ions, Determined by Theoretical Calculations

DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G** level were conducted on the reaction of the propane molecule with the aluminum hydroxide clusters (HO)3Al(OH2)x (x = 0,1). Weak, physisorbed (van der Waals) complexes were identified. Chemisorption does not involve the Bronsted acidity of the catalyst, as no hydron transfer occurs. Instead, the reaction involves insertion of the aluminum atom into a C−H bond, followed by the migration of the hydrogen atom from aluminum to oxygen, to form the chemisorbed intermediate, (H2O)x+1(HO)2Al−CH2Et or (H2O)x+1(HO)2Al−CHMe2, with the latter having a higher energy barrier. The elimination of hydrogen from Cβ and oxygen gives then H2 and propene, which forms a strong π complex with the aluminum cluster for x = 0. The first step, chemisorption, has a lower energy barrier than the second, elimination, but still higher than the hydrogen dissociation on the same clusters. Thus, the rate relationship H2/D2 exchange > H2/RH exchange > RH dehydrogenation is predicted, as was experimental...
Electrostatic Interactions Guide the Active Site Face of a Structure-Specific Ribonuclease to Its RNA Substrate†

Restrictocin, a member of the alpha-sarcin family of site-specific endoribonucleases, uses electrostatic interactions to bind to the ribosome and to RNA oligonucleotides, including the minimal specific substrate, the sarcin/ricin loop (SRL) of 23S-28S rRNA. Restrictocin binds to the SRL by forming a ground-state E:S complex that is stabilized predominantly by Coulomb interactions and depends on neither the sequence nor structure of the RNA, suggesting a nonspecific complex. The 22 cationic residues of restrictocin are dispersed throughout this protein surface, complicating a priori identification of a Coulomb interacting surface. Structural studies have identified an enzyme-substrate interface, which is expected to overlap with the electrostatic E:S interface. Here, we identified restrictocin residues that contribute to binding in the E:S complex by determining the salt dependence [partial differential log(k 2/ K 1/2)/ partial differential log[KCl]] of cleavage of the minimal SRL substrate for eight point mutants within the protein designed to disrupt contacts in the crystallographically defined interface. Relative to the wild-type salt dependence of -4.1, a subset of the mutants clustering near the active site shows significant changes in salt dependence, with differences of magnitude being >or=0.4. This same subset was identified using calculated salt dependencies for each mutant derived from solutions to the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation. Our findings support a mechanism in which specific residues on the active site face of restrictocin (primarily K110, K111, and K113) contribute to formation of the E:S complex, thereby positioning the SRL substrate for site-specific cleavage. The same restrictocin residues are expected to facilitate targeting of the SRL on the surface of the ribosome.
CLONING, SEQUENCE AND EXPRESSION OF THE PEL GENE FROM AN AMYCOLATA SP.

Abstract The pel gene from an Amycolata sp. encoding a pectate lyase (EC 4.2.2.2) was isolated by activity screening a genomic DNA library in Streptomyces lividans TK24. Subsequent subcloning and sequencing of a 2.3 kb Bam HI– Bgl II fragment revealed an open reading frame of 930 nt corresponding to a protein of 29 660 Da. The overall G+C content for the coding region was 65%, with a strong G+C preference in the third (wobble) codon position (93%). A putative ribosome-binding site 5′-GGGAG-3′ preceded the translational start codon by 7 base pairs. The Amycolata pectate lyase contains a signal peptide of 26 amino acids, that is cleaved after the sequence Ala–Thr–Ala. The size of the deduced protein as well as its N-terminal amino-acid sequence match the wild-type pectate lyase from the Amycolata sp. Expression of the pel gene in S. lividans TK24 resulted in high pectate lyase activity in the culture supernatant, concomitant with the appearance of a dominant protein band on a sodium dodecyl polyacrylamide gel at 30 kDa. No pectate lyase activity was detected in E. coli BL21 with the pel gene under the strong T7 promotor. The deduced amino-acid sequence showed 40% identity with PelE from Erwinia chrysanthemi and the pectate lyase from Glomerella cingulata . The Amycolata pectate lyase clearly belongs to the pectate lyase superfamily, sharing all functional amino acids and likely has a similar structural topology as Pels from Erwinia chrysanthemi and Bacillus subtilis .
Corn yield in relation to photoperiod, night temperature, and solar radiation

Abstract The average corn yield in high latitudes exceeds that in the tropics by 4 times in the field and by 2.5 times in experimental plots. This difference between 4 and 2.5 largely reflects the technological inferiority of tropical farming. The difference in experimental yield is largely caused by climatic factors. Hybrid corns are adapted to long days in excess of 14 h 30 min. Long day length also promotes photosynthesis for all corn varieties. High night temperature reduces the corn yield in the tropics by some 30%. Solar radiation is a minor factor in explaining the yield difference on a global scale.
The stimulation by calcium and its inhibition by ADP of cholesterol side-chain cleavage activity in adrenal mitochondria.

Abstract Cholesterol side-chain cleavage activity (cholesterol SCC) in a mitochondrial preparation is increased by calcium in a sigmoidal manner. A 5–10-fold increase is obtained and an effect may be seen at 20 μM CaCl 2 . ADP inhibits the stimulation by calcium with a shift of the sigmoid curve to the right and 10 μM ADP results in a 4-fold increase in the amount of CaCl 2 required to obtain one-half the maximal stimulation value. The inhibition is specific for ADP and inhibition by ATP is due to the formation of ADP. The characteristics of the calcium-ADP modulation are such that a suitable ADP-inhibited level of cholesterol sidechain cleavage activity will be stimulated by a given increment of calcium to a greater extent than in the absence of the added ADP. Steroid 11β-hydroxylation is also stimulated in a sigmoidal manner by calcium and this stimulation is inhibited by ADP. The 11β-hydroxylation, however, is less sensitive to calcium and ADP so that changes in cholesterol SCC are obtained at concentration of calcium and ADP where minimal effects on 11β-hydroxylation are found. Calmodulin-like activity is present in the mitochondrial preparation. No evidence, however, for a role for calmodulin in the calcium-ADP effects could be obtained, but the possibility of its involvement cannot be excluded. The calcium-ADP modulations are of a magnitude and take place at sufficiently low concentrations to suggest a physiological role in the regulation of mitochondrial steroidogenesis.
PARTIAL: a tool to monitor the stepwise refinement of Ada programs

This paper describes a software tool, PARTIAL, that monitors a sequence of stepwise refinements. This tool is designed to collect information about properties of the stepwise refinement of pseudocode, where the pseudocode can be based upon any target language. The particular language selected to illustrate the system here is Ada.The system is used to analyze a stepwise refinement sequence from Myers (7). While few patterns appear evident when looking at this sequence of stepwise refinements, use of the partial metrics system illuminates a set of distinctly linear trends in the development process. These trends suggest questions that can be investigated in the future using the partial metrics approach.
The role of interference and encoding in the short-term memory deficits of Korsakoff patients.

Abstract Three experiments were designed to determine the role of interference (Experiments 1 and 2) and verbal encoding (Experiment 3) in the Korsakoff patient's memory disorder. The results of the first two experiments demonstrated that the Korsakoff patients were more sensitive to the interference produced by high proactive inhibition and massed practice conditions than were alcoholic controls. In the third experiment, the controls' memory performance improved when encoding cues were provided, while the Korsakoff patients showed a decrement in retention upon the presentation of such cues. These results suggest that both increased sensitivity to interference and a failure to verbally encode new information are involved in the Korsakoff patient's memory deficits.
Development of a Wireless Computer Vision Instrument to Detect Biotic Stress in Wheat

Knowledge of crop abiotic and biotic stress is important for optimal irrigation management. While spectral reflectance and infrared thermometry provide a means to quantify crop stress remotely, these measurements can be cumbersome. Computer vision offers an inexpensive way to remotely detect crop stress independent of vegetation cover. This paper presents a technique using computer vision to detect disease stress in wheat. Digital images of differentially stressed wheat were segmented into soil and vegetation pixels using expectation maximization (EM). In the first season, the algorithm to segment vegetation from soil and distinguish between healthy and stressed wheat was developed and tested using digital images taken in the field and later processed on a desktop computer. In the second season, a wireless camera with near real-time computer vision capabilities was tested in conjunction with the conventional camera and desktop computer. For wheat irrigated at different levels and inoculated with wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), vegetation hue determined by the EM algorithm showed significant effects from irrigation level and infection. Unstressed wheat had a higher hue (118.32) than stressed wheat (111.34). In the second season, the hue and cover measured by the wireless computer vision sensor showed significant effects from infection (p = 0.0014), as did the conventional camera (p < 0.0001). Vegetation hue obtained through a wireless computer vision system in this study is a viable option for determining biotic crop stress in irrigation scheduling. Such a low-cost system could be suitable for use in the field in automated irrigation scheduling applications.
A light and electron microscopic study of serotonin-immunoreactive fibers and terminals in the monkey sensory-motor cortex.

Immunocytochemical methods were used to study the distribution and ultrastructure of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) immunoreactive fibers innervating the monkey sensory-motor cortex. Beaded 5-HT positive fibers were found in all cortical layers of both areas but with relatively fewer in middle cortical layers. Examination of 2 μm-thick plastic sections at the light microscope level, revealed that the vast majority of the bouton-like structures on the fibers lay in the neuropil and not adjacent to neuronal somata. A few beaded immunoreactive fibers were seen around certain pyramidal and nonpyramidal cell somata, very occasionally forming modest pericellular ramifications. Serial reconstructions made from electron micrographs after resectioning the 2 μm-thick sections, revealed that the dilatations of the fibers are 5-HT positive boutons but the boutons examined rarely formed morphologically identifiable synaptic contacts. Of 191 reconstructed boutons only 5 made contacts with obvious membrane specializations, all of which were of the asymmetrical type. No immunoreactive synaptic contacts were seen on pyramidal cell somata in the cortex, nor on dendrites or somata in the white matter underlying the cortex, although 5-HT positive boutons commonly lay closely adjacent to neuronal profiles in both sites. 5-HT fibers in the cortex and white matter have a similar morphological appearance and both myelinated and unmyelinated types are seen.
A knowledge management imperative and six supporting technologies

Abstract Knowledge differs from data and information in that it is organized and evaluated. These added dimensions give knowledge meaning, something beyond the syntactic representations used for data and information, and therefore make it more difficult to manage. Management of our current knowledge and focused creation of new knowledge are essential for productive interaction with our world, as scientists and citizens. However, both science and society are simultaneously experiencing information excess and knowledge scarcity. Our abilities to produce data, information, and knowledge have exceeded our knowledge management skills. Many of the tools necessary for a Knowledge Revolution, however, now exist or are under development. Good knowledge management tools can reduce today's information glut, support creative scientific synthesis, and aid effective knowledge application. Within this context, software tools for knowledge management examined in this paper are: knowledge-based systems, scientific visualization, virtual reality, spatial data management, computer-supported cooperative work, and hypertext.
A simple toxicity apparatus for continuous flow with small volumes: demonstration with mysids and naphthalene

To determine the toxicity of naphthalene to the mysid crustacean Neomysis americana a small continuous-flow toxicant exposure system was built using design features of Mariotte bottle chemostats. Chemostats maintain cultures at constant cell concentrations by providing constant nutrient inputs. Such cultures remain well-mixed and have minimal cell contact with the container. The same characteristics are useful for exposing small invertebrates to volatile toxicants. The Mariotte bottles in the exposure system were modified by addition of air inlet restrictors. This modification provided stable flow at low pressure heads. The apparatus provided good water quality and physical environment for 10 mysids per chamber, and a more constant concentration of naphthalene than did static chambers replenished daily. Preliminary 96 h toxicity tests with N. americana were performed at 15/sup 0/C and 25/sup 0/C at concentrations of 900 and 1800 ..mu..g l/sup -1/ naphthalene in artificial seawater, for comparison with similar tests performed under static conditions. (JMT)
Human immunodeficiency virus-induced cytotoxicity for CD8 cells from some normal donors and virus-specific induction of a suppressor factor.

Abstract Several aspects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced pathology in vitro warrant close examination to ascertain their role in the development of disease in vivo . The ability of HIV to produce cytopathology of CD4 cells has been well documented, although the extent and mechanism(s) may be varied. Further, immune suppression by HIV envelope ( env ) is well documented in vitro , but its importance in vivo remains unknown and the role of other HIV components in immune suppression has not been examined. We have exposed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from normal donors to ultraviolet-irradiated HIV (uv-HIV) at concentrations similar to those found in AIDS patient serum and determined that in some normal donors ( 3 7 ) depletion of CD8 cells as well as CD4 cells is demonstrable. Abrogation of phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced proliferation by uv-HIV was also examined in the same normal donors. Immune suppression, unlike CD4 cell killing, does not require intact virus and occurs at physiologically relevant concentrations of HIV. Furthermore, PBMC exposed to uv-HIV in the presence of PHA produce a heat- and protease-labile suppressor factor(s) following removal of virus, whether or not they are reexposed to PHA. Our results suggest that cell killing may be a more broad event than previously described, including the killing of at least CD8 cells either directly or indirectly. In addition, suppressor factors produced following exposure of patient lymphocytes to agents that induce proliferation may exacerbate the development of opportunistic infection.
Aging and Seismic Performance for Safety-Related Equipment in a Mild Environment

The dominant aging mechanisms in mild environments (time-temperature (thermal) effects, radiation and operational cycling effects) were investigated for their impact on seismic performance. Sample sets of electrical and electronic safety-related components which had been preconditioned were subjected to seismic stresses. The sample sets contained identical components which had been thermally, cyclically and radiation aged as well as unaged. The aging and seismic stresses represented worst case conditions. The results of this program demonstrate the adequacy of the selection process to determine age sensitivity and provide the technical justification for exemption from aging prior to seismic testing for those components which demonstrated no correlation between aging and seismic performance.
Culturally protective parenting practices against substance use among adolescents in Mexico

Using ecological risk and resiliency theory, this exploratory study examined the relationship between parental support and parental monitoring on male and female adolescents' lifetime and recent use of alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana among a sample of 980 adolescents from Tijuana, Mexico. The participants' ages ranged from 15 to over 22 years. Approximately 25% of the participants indicated that their families were of low socioeconomic status (SES) and majority of participants' mothers (74.2%) and fathers (68.6%) had less than a high school education.The results of this study indicated that parental support and parental monitoring were significant predictors of lower lifetime and recent substance use for males and females. Parental support significantly predicted lower lifetime and recent cigarette use among males and lower recent marijuana use among females. Parental monitoring, however, was a stronger predictor of lower recent alcohol, cigarette and marijuana use among adolescent females in the study....
Evaluation of an interactive, case-based review session in teaching medical microbiology

Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS) has replaced its microbiology wet laboratory with a variety of tutorials including a case-based interactive session called Microbial Jeopardy!. The question remains whether the time spent by students and faculty in the interactive case-based tutorial is worthwhile? This study was designed to address this question by analyzing both student performance data and assessing students' perceptions regarding the tutorial. Both quantitative and qualitative data were used in the current study. Part One of the study involved assessing student performance using archival records of seven case-based exam questions used in the 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 OSU-CHS Medical Microbiology course. Two sample t-tests for proportions were used to test for significant differences related to tutorial usage. Part Two used both quantitative and qualitative means to assess student's perceptions of the Microbial Jeopardy! session. First, a retrospective survey was administered to students who were enrolled in Medical Microbiology in 2006 or 2007. Second, responses to open-ended items from the 2008 course evaluations were reviewed for comments regarding the Microbial Jeopardy! session. Both student performance and student perception data support continued use of the tutorials. Quantitative and qualitative data converge to suggest that students like and learn from the interactive, case-based session. The case-based tutorial appears to improve student performance on case-based exam questions. Additionally, students perceived the tutorial as helpful in preparing for exam questions and reviewing the course material. The time commitment for use of the case-based tutorial appears to be justified.
The applicability of Holland's theory to nonprofessional workers

Abstract Certain aspects of Holland's theory were studied to assess their applicability to nonprofessional workers. Holland's typology was used to classify 470 male and 447 female nonprofessional workers by (1) their present job classification and (2) their personal orientations as measured by the Vocational Preference Inventory. Personality-job congruence was examined, as was the relationship between the workers' self-descriptions of personal characteristics and their personality orientations. The results indicated that nonprofessional workers (1) tended to be congruent with their work environments and (2) tended to perceive groups of adjectives as self-descriptive which were consistent with their personal orientations. Overall, the results supported the appropriateness of extending Holland's theory to include nonprofessional workers.
SU‐F‐BRF‐13: Investigating the Feasibility of Accurate Dose Measurement in a Deforming Radiochromic Dosimeter

Purpose: Presage-Def, a deformable radiochromic 3D dosimeter, has been previously shown to have potential for validating deformable image registration algorithms. This work extends this effort to investigate the feasibility of using Presage-Def to validate dose-accumulation algorithms in deforming structures. Methods: Two cylindrical Presage-Def dosimeters (8cm diameter, 4.5cm length) were irradiated in a water-bath with a simple 4-field box treatment. Isocentric dose was 20Gy. One dosimeter served as control (no deformation) while the other was laterally compressed during irradiation by 21%. Both dosimeters were imaged before and after irradiation with a fast (∼10 minutes for 1mm isotropic resolution), broad beam, high resolution optical-CT scanner. Measured dose distributions were compared to corresponding distributions calculated by a commissioned Eclipse planning system. Accuracy in the control was evaluated with 3D gamma (3%/3mm). The dose distribution calculated for the compressed dosimeter in the irradiation geometry cannot be directly compared via profiles or 3D gamma to the measured distribution, which deforms with release from compression. Thus, accuracy under deformation was determined by comparing integral dose within the high dose region of the deformed dosimeter distribution versus calculated dose. Dose profiles were used to study temporal stability of measured dose distributions. Results: Good dose agreement was demonstratedmore » in the control with a 3D gamma passing rate of 96.6%. For the dosimeter irradiated under compression, the measured integral dose in the high dose region (518.0Gy*cm3) was within 6% of the Eclipse-calculated integral dose (549.4Gy*cm3). Elevated signal was noted on the dosimeter edge in the direction of compression. Change in dosimeter signal over 1.5 hours was ≤2.7%, and the relative dose distribution remained stable over this period of time. Conclusion: Presage-Def is promising as a 3D dosimeter capable of accurately measuring dose in a deforming structure, and warrants further study to quantify comprehensive accuracy at different levels of deformation. This work was supported by NIH R01CA100835. John Adamovics is the president of Heuris Inc., which commercializes PRESAGE.« less
Precision Attachment of Individual F1-ATPase Biomolecular Motors on Nanofabricated Substrates

The ability to precisely position and orient biological molecules on engineered substrates is an enabling technology critical to the long-term goal of integrating biomolecular motors with nano-electro-mechanical systems. Electron beam lithography and nanoimprinting techniques were used to produce arrays of nickel dots (50−200 nm diameter). Analysis using fluorescence (of microspheres attached to the γ subunit) and atomic force microscopy of these arrays demonstrated precise positioning, spacing, and orientation of individual F1-ATPase molecules.
Local–global model reduction of parameter-dependent, single-phase flow models via balanced truncation

Abstract In this paper we propose a method for the accurate calculation of output quantities resulting from a parameter-dependent, single-phase flow model. In particular, given a small-dimensional set of inputs (as compared to the fine model), we treat the problem using a combined local–global model reduction technique. The local model reduction is achieved through the use of the Generalized Multiscale Finite Element Method (GMsFEM) where a set of independently calculated basis functions are used in order to construct a suitable coarse approximation space. The multiscale basis function computations are localized to specified coarse subdomains, and follow an offline–online procedure in which a set of eigenvalue problems are used to capture the underlying behavior of the system. Because the offline stage accounts for a one-time preprocessing step, the online coarse space may be cheaply constructed for a given input state. We then apply balanced truncation (BT) to the online coarse system in order to obtain a global reduced-order approximation of the output state. BT recasts the model equation into a systems framework where the input–output mapping may be approximated through the spectral construction of a reduced-order model, and requires the solution of a set of Lyapunov equations. As the Lyapunov equations represent an expensive computation, the efficiency of the proposed method depends on the size of the online coarse space. The combined approach is shown to be flexible with respect to the online space and reduced dimensions, and may be readily modified in order to ensure that the resulting output errors are comparable.
Electrokinetic nanoparticle treatment of hardened cement paste for reduction of permeability

Colloidal nanoparticles were electrokinetically transported into hardened cement paste pores where they underwent chemical reactions resulting in reduced permeability. 20 nm silica and 2 nm alumina particles were combined with simulated pore fluids to assess precipitate production. One precipitate formed was C-S-H , the binder material native to Portland cement paste. Permeability tests were conducted to study the effect of these processes on hardened cement pastes of high water/cement ratio and of high and low alkali contents. It was observed that 5 min treatments using 5 V of potential applied over a span of 0.15 m is sufficient to drive nanoparticles into the pore system, enabling them to react and produce precipitates. The coefficient of permeability for each paste was reduced by 1–3 orders of magnitude. These findings indicate that reactive nanoparticles can be electrokinetically inserted to reduce the permeability of hardened cement paste, even in the presence of an opposing hydraulic flow.
Protonated acetaldehyde clusters: Stability, structure and metastable unimolecular decomposition

Abstract Neutral acetaldehyde clusters, prepared in a pulsed nozzle supersonic expansion, are ionized by using multiphoton ionization and investigated with a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry technique. The only observed cluster ions resulting from intracluster ion-molecule reactions following ionization are (CH 3 CHO) n H + , n =1−11. Among all observed protonated acetaldehyde clusters, (CH 3 CHO) 2 H + and (CH 3 CHO) 4 H + are found to be particularly stable. The experimental results give new insights into stable structures of hydrogen bonded acetaldehyde cluster ions. In a sampled time window of a few tens of microseconds, all protonated cluster ions with n =2−11, undergo metastable unimolecular decomposition, losing one acetaldehyde molecule.
A new mathematical adjoint for the modified SAAF-SN equations

Abstract We present a new adjoint FEM weak form, which can be directly used for evaluating the mathematical adjoint, suitable for perturbation calculations, of the self-adjoint angular flux S N equations (SAAF- S N ) without construction and transposition of the underlying coefficient matrix. Stabilization schemes incorporated in the described SAAF- S N method make the mathematical adjoint distinct from the physical adjoint, i.e. the solution of the continuous adjoint equation with SAAF- S N . This weak form is implemented into RattleSnake, the MOOSE (Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment) based transport solver. Numerical results verify the correctness of the implementation and show its utility both for fixed source and eigenvalue problems.
Expression of a Soybean Gene Encoding the Tetrapyrrole-Synthesis Enzyme Glutamyl-tRNA Reductase in Symbiotic Root Nodules

Heme and chlorophyll accumulate to high levels in legume root nodules and in photosynthetic tissues, respectively, and they are both derived from the universal tetrapyrrole precursor δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). The first committed step in ALA and tetrapyrrole synthesis is catalyzed by glutamyl-tRNA reductase (GTR) in plants. A soybean ( Glycine max ) root-nodule cDNA encoding GTR was isolated by complementation of an Escherichia coli GTR-defective mutant for restoration of ALA prototrophy. Gtr mRNA was very low in uninfected roots but accumulated to high levels in root nodules. The induction of Gtr mRNA in developing nodules was subsequent to that of the gene Enod2 (early nodule) and coincided with leghemoglobin mRNA accumulation. Genomic analysis revealed two Gtr genes, Gtr1 and a 3′ portion of Gtr2 , which were isolated from the soybean genome. RNase-protection analysis using probes specific to Gtr1 and Gtr2 showed that both genes were expressed, but Gtr1 mRNA accumulated to significantly higher levels. In addition, the qualitative patterns of expression of Gtr1 and Gtr2 were similar to each other and to total Gtr mRNA in leaves and nodules of mature plants and etiolated plantlets. The data indicate that Gtr1 is universal for tetrapyrrole synthesis and that a Gtr gene specific for a tissue or tetrapyrrole is unlikely. We suggest that ALA synthesis in specialized root nodules involves an altered spatial expression of genes that are otherwise induced strongly only in photosynthetic tissues of uninfected plants.
RING finger protein 11 (RNF11) modulates susceptibility to 6-OHDA-induced nigral degeneration and behavioral deficits through NF-κB signaling in dopaminergic cells

Chronic activation of the NF-κB pathway is associated with progressive neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). Given the role of neuronal RING finger protein 11 (RNF11) as a negative regulator of the NF-κB pathway, in this report we investigated the function of RNF11 in dopaminergic cells in PD-associated neurodegeneration. We found that RNF11 knockdown in an in vitro model of PD mediated protection against 6-OHDA-induced toxicity. In converse, over-expression of RNF11 enhanced 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic cell death. Furthermore, by directly manipulating NF-κB signaling, we showed that the observed RNF11-enhanced 6-OHDA toxicity is mediated through inhibition of NF-κB-dependent transcription of TNF-α, antioxidants GSS and SOD1, and anti-apoptotic factor BCL2. Experiments in an in vivo 6-OHDA rat model of PD recapitulated the in vitro results. In vivo targeted RNF11 over-expression in nigral neurons enhanced 6-OHDA toxicity, as evident by increased amphetamine-induced rotations and loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons as compared to controls. This enhanced toxicity was coupled with the downregulation of NF-κB transcribed GSS, SOD1, BCL2, and neurotrophic factor BDNF mRNA levels, in addition to decreased TNF-α mRNA levels in ventral mesenchephalon samples. In converse, knockdown of RNF11 was associated with protective phenotypes and increased expression of above-mentioned NF-κB transcribed genes. Collectively, our in vitro and in vivo data suggest that RNF11-mediated inhibition of NF-κB in dopaminergic cells exaggerates 6-OHDA toxicity by inhibiting neuroprotective responses while loss of RNF11 inhibition on NF-κB activity promotes neuronal survival. The decreased expression of RNF11 in surviving cortical and nigral tissue detected in PD patients, thus implies a compensatory response in the diseased brain to PD-associated insults. In summary, our findings demonstrate that RNF11 in neurons can modulate susceptibility to 6-OHDA toxicity through NF-κB mediated responses. This neuron-specific role of RNF11 in the brain has important implications for targeted therapeutics aimed at preventing neurodegeneration.
Aerosolization of superoxide dismutase : augmentation of respiratory epithelial lining fluid antioxidant screen by aerosolization of recombinant human Cu++/Zn++ superoxide dismutase

Various human pulmonary diseases are characterized by an increased oxidant burden on the respiratory epithelial surface. As a step toward developing a therapy to augment the antioxidant defenses of respiratory epithelial lining fluid (ELF) of the human lung, we have evaluated the feasibility of aerosolizing a human protein antioxidant to the respiratory epithelial surface of an experimental animal sufficiently large to permit repetitive sampling of ELF. To accomplish this, recombinant human Cu ++ /Zn ++ superoxide dismutase (rSOD) was aerosolized to sheep, and the levels of human superoxide dismutase (SOD) and antisuperoxide anion (O 2 − ˙ ) capacity were quantified in ELF over time. In vitro aerosolization did not alter the specific activity of rSOD (p>0.5). In vivo aerosolization of rSOD (100 mg) to sheep (n = 7) resulted in peak amounts of human Cu ++ /Zn++ SOD in ELF of 3.1±0.6 μmol/L, with a parallel increase in the anti-O 2 − ˙ capacity of ELF. For the duration of the study (5 h), levels of SOD and anti-O 2 − ˙ in ELF remained elevated, with a value 50 percent of the peak at 5 h. Aerosolization of phosphate-buffered saline (n = 5) had no effect on SOD or anti-O 2 − ˙ levels in ELF. In animals receiving rSOD, there was no change in the specific activity of SOD recovered in ELF compared to the starting material (p>0.4). We conclude that rSOD can be delivered by aerosol to the ELF of a large animal with preservation of specific activity and that a substantial increase in both the amount of SOD and the anti-O 2 − ˙ capacity can be achieved for a period of time applicable to human therapy, supporting the rationale for evaluation of rSOD aerosol as an antioxidant in human pulmonary disease.
Liquid crystalline polymers containing mesogenic units based on half-disc and rod-like moieties. I, Synthesis and characterization of 4-(11-undecan-1-yloxy)-4'-[3,4,5-tri(p-n-dodecan-1-yloxybenzyloxy)benzoate]biphenyl side groups

Preparation du polysiloxane [Si(Me)(R)O] n (R=(CH 2 ) 11 O-Ph-Ph-O-CO-Ph(OCH 2 PhO-(CH 2 ) 11 CH 3 ) 3 par hydrosilylation de l'olefine correspondante par le poly(hydro methyl siloxane). Etude des transitions de phase des produits intermediaires de depart et du polymere; l'olefine et le polymere presentent une mesophase plasmidique monotrope avec une texture optique en eventail
Cycle-to-Cycle Control of Multivariable Manufacturing Processes With Process Model Uncertainty

In-process closed-loop control of many manufacturing processes is often impractical owing to the impossibility or the prohibitively high cost of placing sensors and actuators necessary for in-process control. Such processes are usually left to statistical process control methods, which only identify problems without specifying solutions. Cycle-to-cycle control is a method for using feedback to improve product quality for processes that are inaccessible within a single processing cycle but can be changed between cycles. This type of control has the same objectives as run-by-run control. However, it is developed from a different point of view allowing easy analysis of the process’ transient closed-loop behavior due to changes in the target value or to output disturbances. Our previous work introduced cycle-to-cycle control for single input-single output processes and here it is extended to multiple input-multiple output processes. Gain selection, stability, and process variance amplification results are developed and compared with those obtained by previous researchers, showing good agreement. Then, the limitation of imperfect knowledge of the plant model is imposed. This is consistent with manufacturing environments that require minimal cost and number of tests in determining a valid process model. The effects of this limitation on system performance and stability are discussed. The theoretical results are applied to a novel, discrete-die sheet metal stretch-forming process. The classical, monolithic tool is replaced by a large number of small, separate pieces that can be reconfigured between cycles to approximate continuous shapes. Thus, each forming cycle can use a new input shape. The experimental system is an ideal candidate for the application of cycle-to-cycle control in a multivariable fashion. A linear process model is presented that includes the effects of single input-multiple output coupling. Experimental validation of variance amplification results for a sheet metal forming processes is presented with hundreds of inputs and outputs. While many controller designs could be considered a purely diagonal (decoupled) and a Linear Quadratic Regulator design are presented and discussed. Comparison between theory and experiments is provided, showing good agreement.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Blood conditions and lysozyme action in the aposymbiotic cockroach

Abstract Blood volume, blood coagulation time, and volume of free blood flow increased following the injection of lysozyme into F1 aposymbiotic adult male cockroaches derived from parents fed a mixture of 1% aureomycin, terramycin, and sulphisoxazol. These differences were similar to those in lysozyme-treated symbiotic insects. The total blood cell count in the aposymbiotic insect was lower than in the symbiotic and, following treatment with lysozyme, was not similarly reduced; in relation to blood volume it may have been actually increased. The blood of the aposymbiotic cockroach had a high Na + K + ratio which, contrary to the increase that occurred in the symbiotic insect, was not significantly changed by lysozyme injection. Lysozyme altered the amino acid picture of the aposymbiotic insect but to a lesser degree and involved fewer amino acids than in the symbiotes. However, the untreated aposymbiotes had three times as high a concentration of total amino acids as the normal adult male. Eleven of the sixteen amino acids quantitated had increases of not less than 100 per cent, with isoleucine increased by almost 700 per cent, leucine 600 per cent, alanine 550 per cent, valine 450 per cent, glycine 250 per cent, proline 200 per cent, threonine and serine 150 per cent, lysine and histidine 150 per cent, and arginine 100 per cent. Aspartic and glutamic acids showed slight or no increase, while methionine and phenylalanine were reduced by 20 per cent and tyrosine by 60 per cent. The aposymbiotes were further distinguished by a high concentration of homoserine, which amino acid has not been found in the symbiotic cockroach. The sustained methionine level suggests that changes in the metabolism of the sulphur amino acids are probably not as significant as they are in Blatella germanica, and does not explain the high concentration of homoserine; homoserine may rather be associated with the high level of isoleucine. The high level of amino acids in the aposymbiotic cockroach is thought to fill more than an osmoregulatory function, and may contribute to the defence of the organism against infection. The concentrations and ratios of the amino acids of the aposymbiotic American cockroach differed radically from the xenic type, and also from the aposymbiotic B. germanica. These distinctive characteristics suggest that the bacterial symbionts perform different functions in different species of cockroach, and may themselves constitute separate species. The changes induced by lysozyme in the cockroach are attributed to the active enzyme, and their occurrence in the aposymbiote tends to strengthen the validity of the suggestion put forward earlier that lysozyme may play a significant role in inflammation.
Suppressor Lyt 2+ T-cells demonstrated in mice late after thermal injury

Abstract Biological properties of suppressor cells mediating second suppressive state (S-SupS) of IFN-γ responsiveness in mice following thermal injury were investigated by their ability to inhibit [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation by allogeneic cell-stimulated mononuclear cells (MNC) prepared from spleens of unburned normal mice (N-mice). Kinetic studies indicated that the suppressor cells appeared at approximately 15 days post-burn and persisted until 40 days after thermal injury. This cell population from the spleens of thermally injured mice (TI-mice) was inactivated by anti-Thy 1.2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) plus complement (C). Treatment with antimouse immunoglobulin and anti-Lyt 1.2 mAb followed by C failed to abrogate the activity. Hoewever, it could be eliminated by treatment with anti-Lyt 2.2 mAb and C. In addition, when Thy 1 + or Lyt 2 + T cells were depleted from spleen cells containing suppressor cell activities by treatment with mAbs and C, the suppressor activity for IFN-γ production by N-mice splenic MNC stimulated with concanavalin A was also eliminated. However, no alteration in the suppression of IFN production was observed when this splenic cell population from TI-mice was treated with anti-Lyt 1.2 mAb and anti-mouse Ig followed by C. Since it has been reported [1] that the suppressor cell in spleens of TI-mice could neither be removed by plastic adherence nor by carbonyl-iron treatment, this secondarily-generated suppressor cell was concluded to be a T cell possessing the Lyt 1 − 2 + phenotype. The present report describes the demonstration, following a generation of suppressor macrophages [2], of suppressor Lyt 2 + T cells spleen of mice late after thermal injury.
Alternate theories of causation in abusive head trauma: What the science tells us

When cases of suspected abusive head trauma are adjudicated in courts of law, several alternative theories of causation are frequently presented. This paper reviews common theories and examines their scientific basis.
Company of Heroes: Unleashing the Power of Self-Leadership

The article reviews the book “Company of Heroes: Unleashing the Power of Self-Leadership,” by Henry P. Sims Jr. and Charles C. Manz.
DFT study of group 8 catalysts for the hydrophenylation of ethylene: Influence of ancillary ligands and metal identity

Abstract Computational methods are used to investigate catalytic hydrophenylation of ethylene using complexes of the type [(Y)M(L)(CH 3 )(NCMe)] n + [Y = Mp, n = 1; Y = Tp, n = 0; M = Ru or Os; L = PMe 3 , PF 3 , or CO; Mp = tris (pyrazolyl)methane; Tp = hydrido- tris (pyrazolyl)borate]. The conversion of ethylene and benzene to ethylbenzene with [(Y)M(L)(Ph)] n + as catalyst involves four steps: (1) ethylene coordination, (2) ethylene insertion into the M–Ph bond, (3) benzene coordination, and (4) benzene C–H activation. DFT calculations form the basis to compare stoichiometric benzene C–H activation by [(Y)M(L)(CH 3 )(NCMe)] n + complexes to yield methane and [(Y)M(L)(Ph)(NCMe)] n + . In addition, starting from the 16-electron species [(Y)M(L)(Ph)] n + , potential energy surfaces for the formation of ethylbenzene are calculated to reveal the impact of modifications to the scorpionate ligand (Mp or Tp), co-ligand (L) and metal center (M).
Combined application of excitatory amino acids and substance P produces long-lasting changes in responses of primate spinothalamic tract neurons

Sensitization of dorsal horn neurons following injury may underlie the generation of secondary hyperalgesia and so the chemical basis of sensitization is now receiving considerable attention. The present study used microiontophoretic applications of excitatory amino acids (EAA's) and substance P (SP) to test their roles in the sensitization of primate spinothalamic tract (STT) neurons. Of 70 STT cells examined in laminae I-VI of the dorsal horn, 40 showed an increase in responses to one or more EAA's following their co-application with SP. The increased responses were usually specific to either N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) or to the non-NMDA agonists, quisqualate (QUIS) or D,L-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-proprionic acid (AMPA). The enhancement of EAA responses was long-lasting (> 15 min) in 18 cases, was accompanied by similarly long-lasting increases in responses to mechanical stimulation of the receptive field in 14 cases and was accompanied by an increase in responses to either glutamate (Glu) or aspartate (Asp) in eleven cases. A global decrease in all EAA responses tested was produced in 26 other STT neurons. The inhibition, unlike the increases, was generalized to both NMDA and non-NMDA ligands, was long-lasting in only six cases and was never accompanied by a change in the responses to mechanical stimuli. The excitatory and inhibitory effects of SP on the responses to NMDA were uniformly reversed by the NK-1 receptor selective antagonist, CP96345. In contrast, only the inhibitory effects of SP on the responses to QUIS or AMPA were reversed by CP96345. The long-lasting enhancement of EAA responses by SP may follow the combined synaptic release of the natural ligands in vivo, resulting in the sensitization of dorsal horn neurons and secondary hyperalgesia. However, the reductions in EAA responses produced by SP are problematic for this hypothesis and need further elucidation.